This Night Changes Everything

Read Time:5 Minute, 30 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Snake Eyes (4KUHD)
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Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Action
Year Released: 1998, 2024 Kino Lorber 4K
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Brian De Palma
Writer(s): Brian De Palma, David Koepp
Cast: Nicholas Cage, Gary Sinise, John Heard, Carla Gugino, Stan Shaw, Kevin Dunn, Michael Rispoli, Luis Guzman, Mike Starr, Tamara Tunie
Where To Watch: available December 31, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: I have a fond nostalgic connection to this film, but I don’t remember why. I must’ve watched it at a critical time in my film education, and I still love it! From the moment SNAKE EYES begins, it’s clear that visionary Brian De Palma has crafted a thriller that doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you straight into its chaotic world. With Nicolas Cage as our lead, Rick Santoro, a brash and morally ambiguous detective, the movie thrives on high energy, slick visuals, and an exploration of power and deceit. Packed with suspense, intrigue, and a touch of the theatrical, this film walks a fine line between innovative and indulgent. Without question, the film has a very late 90s vibe, but this world has never looked better, thanks to this 4K presentation!

Set in the heart of Atlantic City, the story uses a boxing championship as the backdrop for a night that spirals wildly out of control. The Powell Casino, buzzing with the glamour of the fight, becomes a crime scene when a high-profile assassination shocks the crowd. What begins as a spectacle of glitter and glitz quickly becomes a mystery. De Palma’s use of the arena and casino as a metaphorical maze, both physical and psychological, underscores the complexity of the investigation and the characters navigating it.

One of the standout elements of SNAKE EYES is its opening sequence, a continuous take lasting over ten minutes. This ambitious shot showcases De Palma’s technical mastery and introduces us to Santoro. The camera follows him through the arena, capturing his unfiltered personality—flashy, confident, and deeply flawed. It’s an immediate immersion into the fast-paced, morally gray world he inhabits and sets a high bar for the visual storytelling to follow.

The movie explores the layers of deception and betrayal as the plot unfolds. Santoro’s investigation, initially fueled by self-interest, becomes more complex as he uncovers a network of hidden motives and dangerous connections. Carla Gugino adds an intriguing depth as a key witness whose vulnerability contrasts sharply with Santoro’s bravado. Her presence brings a sense of humanity to a story dominated by power plays and corruption. Meanwhile, Gary Sinise’s performance as Kevin Dunne introduces a quieter wildcard, creating a dynamic interplay between his composed exterior and the tension simmering beneath the surface.

The middle act leans heavily on exposition, slowing the pace and bringing the tension established early on down a peg. De Palma’s exploration of perception and integrity is intriguing but occasionally overshadowed by more predictable thriller tropes. The result is an uneven narrative, with moments of brilliance interspersed with stretches that lack the same spark.

Cage’s portrayal of Santoro is a highlight, balancing over-the-top theatrics with moments of genuine introspection. His character arc—from a self-serving opportunist to someone forced to confront his complicity in a larger conspiracy—adds an emotional weight that keeps the audience invested. Gugino’s understated performance provides a grounding force, while Sinise’s layered approach to his role adds complexity to the film’s web of deception.

De Palma’s direction remains a focal point, with his visual style elevating the narrative even when the story flatlines. The use of split screens, surveillance footage, and unusual camera angles reinforces the themes of voyeurism and the unreliable nature of perception. These choices enhance the atmosphere and reflect the film’s commentary on manipulating truth in a world driven by ambition and power.

At its core, the movie explores trust, power, and the human capacity for deception. Through Santoro’s journey, the narrative questions the reliability of perception and the cost of uncovering hidden truths. The story challenges viewers to reconsider what they see and believe, a theme that resonates well beyond the confines of the plot. De Palma’s ability to infuse these more significant questions into a visually striking thriller is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker.

Despite its uneven pacing and occasional reliance on familiar genre cliches, SNAKE EYES remains an engaging and visually compelling entry in De Palma’s filmography. Its bold stylistic choices and strong performances leave a lasting impression, even if it falls short of perfection. For those willing to embrace its imperfections, the film explores style, substance, and the murky territory where truth and lies collide.

Product Extras:
DISC ONE (4KUHD):
Brand New HDR/Dolby Vision Master – From a 16bit 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson
5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
Triple-Layered UHD100 Disc
Optional English Subtitles

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY):
Brand New HD Master – From a 16bit 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson
Theatrical Trailer
5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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