The Last Seduction

Movie Name: The Last Seduction
Year of Release: 1994
Director: John Dahl
Starring: Linda Fiorentino, Peter Berg, Bill Pullman, Bill Nunn, J.T. Walsh, Dean Norris, Herb Mitchell
Genre: Crime, Drama
Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 7
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Synopsis and Review:

Director John Dahl flew somewhat under the radar with his first features, the noir "Kill Me Again", which was followed by the equally good "Red Rock West". "The Last Seduction" finally placed him on the map, and justifiably so, since it's a film that manages to capture the film noir style which was a staple of many films released in the 1940s and 50s (though the same can be said for Lawrence Kasdan's "Body Heat"). The film follows the story of Bridget Gregory, who we first encounter working in NYC as a telemarketing manager. Her husband Clay, is training to be a doctor, but is however in debt with some loan shark. In order to solve their financial woes, Clay manages to sell stolen pharmaceuticals, which provides him with a hefty sum of money. Following a heated argument with Clay, Bridget grabs the money and flees, intending to start over in Chicago. Along the way, she stops by a small town named Beston, where she seduces a young man by the name of Mike. Bridget gets tipped her husband knows of her plans to go to Chicago, and decides to stay in Beston for a bit, until the situation calms down. She takes a job in town, coincidentally in the same company where Mike works. Mike who has developed an infatuation with Bridget, tries to know her more, without much success. Bridget has plans of her own, and they include overcoming some of the challenges Clay is sending her way.

"The Last Seduction" succeeds in establishing its lead characters fairly quickly and succinctly. Bridget in particular, is a character with very specific motivations, one who knows what she wants and stops at nothing in order to get it. While most of her background is glossed over, the film follows her destructive path as she goes about setting the world ablaze in pursuit of what she craves for. Mike and Clay end up being supporting players, some accessories, others foibles, but nonetheless, she bypasses them and their intents of dominating her will or conforming her into some vision they have in their mind. The film has of course much of the stylistic touches of the film noir, with Bridget using sex and her intellect to dupe men who constantly underestimate her intelligence and capabilities. The film is essentially a tautly executed B-movie, with great acting, courtesy of Linda Fiorentino and Bill Pullman. Fiorentino in particular has never been better, with just enough cynicism, married with her beauty and sardonic wit. The cinematography from Jeff Jur is solid as is the score from Joseph Vitarelli. Worth watching.