Mystery Street (1950)

"Criminal pathologists try to crack a case with nothing but the victim's bones to go on."

This was the brief synopsis on TCM for the 1950 film Mystery Street. It sounded interesting so I added it to my list. I was also intrigued because the lead was played by Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban, who I've watched recently in a couple Esther Williams films as well as the WWII film Battleground (1949) - in which he gave a wonderful performance.

As soon as I watched it, I knew I had to write about it. Showing the procedural side of police work, the film was groundbreaking in showing how policemen use the science of forensics to solve crimes, in this case a murder in which all that is left to go on is some bones buried in the sand on the beach.

The audience already know who the bones belong to and who committed the crime, so there is no mystery involved. The excitement comes from seeing the way in which the clues are gathered and how the murderer and his victim are identified by the police. There is of course some suspense/action near the end with the death of the victims' landlady who tried to use her knowledge for monetary gain.

Trailer

The film opens with the victim, Vivian Heldon (Jan Sterling) making a phone call to the married man she is having an affair with. She demands he meet her at the Grass Skirt cafe, her place of employment in Boston. While there she meets a young man, Henry Shanway (Marshall Thompson), who's wife has just lost their baby in childbirth. Vivian offers to take the inebriated Shanway home but instead takes over his car to meet her lover Hartley on Cape Cod. When he protested to ditches him on the side of the road a few miles from a diner. At the beach, Vivian demands Hartley give her money. Instead, he shoots her while she's still on the car, then buries her body among the sand dunes.

 

Three months later, her bones are discovered. They are all that remain of Vivian. The car belonging to Shanway, which was sunk by Hartley in a nearby pond, is also found. Police Lieutenant Peter Moralas (Montalban) is put on the case. They take the bones to Dr. McAdoo (Bruce Bennett), the forensics expert at the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard University. McAdoo explains the process of gaining clues from bones. Once the skeleton is assembled, he is able to tell the sex, age, height, and build of the victim and when she died. The bones also reveal that she was pregnant. With that information, the police are then able to look through their missing persons file and narrow down the results. The most fascinating part (which you can watch here) is when they take photos of the possible candidates and match them with the skull (these scenes reminded me of the popular show Bones, which ended it's 12 season run last year).

 

 

Once they've ided the victim, Moralas sets out to figure out who murdered her. He visits her boarding house, run by Mrs. Smerrling (Elsa Lanchester) and is shown the victims belongings that were left behind and packed away by Mrs. Smerrling. When questioned by Moralas, she does not reveal all she knows. Calling a number that Vivian had scrawled on the wall next to the telephone, she tracks down the killer and pays him a visit in order to blackmail him. While he doesn't give her any money, she steals his gun - the murder weapon - from his desk and slips it in her purse.

 

Moralas meanwhile, also visits the Grass Skirt and learns that Vivien left with a young man. They track him down and are able to confirm that the car they found in the pond was his, which he had reported was stolen from in front of the hospital. Caught in his lie, he becomes their prime suspect and is arrested. However, the discovery of the bullet that killed Vivian lodged under the car raises doubts in Moralas' mind. He continues searching and is lead to Hartley by checking Vivien's phone bill. Hartley denies knowing Vivien and watches nervously as Moralas searches his office. When the gun is not discovered, Hartley pays a visit to Mrs. Smerrling, who again tries to blackmail him. She has hidden the gun at the baggage claim at the train station and put the claim ticked in a bird cage. Hartley, getting desperate, forces her to reveal the hiding place then, when there's a knock on the door, hits her on the head with a candlestick, killing her.

 

The visitor is Shanway's wife, trying to prove her husband's innocence. Moralas shows up a few minutes later - he was going to question Mrs. Smerring again - discovers the baggage claim ticket, and hurries to the train station. He arrives just moments after Hartley convinced the baggage claim attendant to give him the bag containing the gun despite not having a ticket. He and his partner chase Hartley down and arrest him for the murder of Vivian Heldon, clearing Shanway in the process.

The film, directed by John Sturges, was filmed in Boston and had a special thanks to Harvard in the credits. The screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award. Mystery Street is the Noir Alley pick for April 14/15 on TCM. Don't miss it!

This post is part of The Good Cop, Bad Cop Blogathon hosted by Coffee, Classics, & Craziness. Please follow good police procedure and read all of the evidence ;)

Infernal Affairs (2002)

Original Title

無間道 Mou gaan dou

Genre

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Director

Andrew Lau

Country

Hong Kong

Cast

Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang, Chapman To, Gordon Lam, Kelly Chen, Sammi Cheng, Berg Ng, Wan Chi-keung, Dion Lam, Elva Hsiao, Edison Chen, Shawn Yue

Storyline

Chan Wing Yan (Shawn Yue), a young police officer, has been sent undercover as a mole in the local mafia. Lau Kin Ming (Edison Chen), a young mafia member, infiltrates the police force. Years later, their older counterparts, Chen Wing Yan (Tony Leung) and Inspector Lau Kin Ming (Andy Lau), respectively, race against time to expose the mole within their midst.

Opinion

In the past months I've talked about this film a couple of times. It was always in relation to Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" which, in case you didn't know, is the American remake and one of the few times a remake is better than the original.

But that doesn't necessarily mean that "Infernal Affairs" is not a good film. Indeed it is a quite gripping and tense crime film that hasn't a lot to envy to its American copy.

First of all, the story is absolutely amazing. Even though the opening scenes where the characters start to settle down are a little confusing - using different actors for the same characters just to show time passing does not help -, the film features a gripping, simple yet smart story from the beginning, that not only is well written but also well told.

The main topic of the film is the contrast between good and evil, and is portrayed with its two main characters, their similarities and their moral obstacles. These two characters, Yan and Ming, are all you need to great a good film, and they have very well developed.

The reason why I do prefer Scorsese's to this one basically comes down to the supporting characters. Unfortunately "Infernal Affairs" doesn't feature any strong supporting character, and the female characters don't have a real purpose in the film other than being just the girlfriends.

The other reason is the dialogue. Even though Scorsese's was filled with cursing and profanities - and it's not only limited to the language -, it was more brilliant. This film indeed has quite simple dialogue.

As for the acting, the two leading actors, Tony Leung as the undercover cop and Andy Lau as the corrupted cop, both do a good job. A little side note on Leung though, his lack of charm makes it hard for you to root for his character.

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Genre

Comedy | Crime

Director

Charles Crichton | John Cleese

Country

USA | UK

Cast

John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline, Michael Palin, Maria Aitken, Tom Georgeson, Patricia Hayes, Cynthia Cleese, Geoffrey Palmer, Roger Brierley, Llewellyn Rees, Stephen Fry, John Bird

Storyline

Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her boyfriend Otto (Kevin Kline) are in England to plot alongside George (Tom Georgeson) and Ken (Michael Palin) the robbery of a diamond collection. Since they want the stolen goods for themselves, Wanda and Otto inform the police about George, not knowing that he has already moved the diamonds to another secret place, and Wanda thinks the best way to find out is by getting close to George's lawyer, Archie Leach (John Cleese).

Opinion

Outrageously hilarious and clever, and with a solid cast, A Fish Called Wanda is a classic comedy that is the perfect mix of British and American humor.

Brilliantly written by Charles Crichton and John Cleese, the screenplay works on a lot of different levels - the heist, the romantic comedy, the eternal conflict between Brits and Americans, the hitman -, it is full of both British and American humour - so to please a bigger audience - and is enriched with ridiculous situations, misunderstandings and puns that make the film a real pleasure.

The characters are pure genius. Wanda is a sexy and seductive American who seduced men to get from them what she needs, only to backstab them in the future. Archie Leach is the well-mannered English lawyer whose marriage is in crisis, and vents his sexual desires with Wanda. Ken is a shy, stuttering hitman who is secretly in love with Wanda, and tenderly loves animals. And then there is Otto, the American with a deep aversion to the word 'stupid', an immeasurable obsession with Buddhist meditation and Nietzsche's philosophy - that doesn't even understand because too stupid - and his uncontrollable hatred towards the British.

The film is packed with exhilarating scenes, but some of the most memorable are Otto torturing Ken, ramming french fries up his nose and chomping down his beloved fishes; Archie's striptease that accidentally puts him in the situation to be naked in front of a couple and their children; Ken's revenge in the finale.

The acting is solid like a stone. John Cleese is excellent in the role of lawyer Archie Leach, Jamie Lee Curtis unleashes all her friendliness to play Wanda, Michael Palin does a great job in the role of Ken, but Kevin Kline is unarguably standing out as he rocks the show as Otto. 

Reasons you should watch and like the film in a nutshell: direction, screenplay, and performances.

Quotes

Wanda: I was dealing with something delicate, Otto. I'm setting up a guy who's incredibly important to us, who's going to tell me where the loot is and if they're going to come and arrest you. And you come loping in like Rambo without a jockstrap and you dangle him out a fifth-floor window. Now, was that smart? Was it shrewd? Was it good tactics? Or was it stupid?

Otto: Don't call me stupid.

Wanda: Oh, right! To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people! I've known sheep that could outwit you. I've worn dresses with higher IQs. But you think you're an intellectual, don't you, ape?

Otto: Apes don't read philosophy.

Wanda: Yes they do, Otto. They just don't understand it. Now let me correct you on a couple of things, OK? Aristotle was not Belgian. The central message of Buddhism is not "Every man for himself." And the London Underground is not a political movement. Those are all mistakes, Otto. I looked them up.

Siberian Education (2013)

Original Title

Educazione siberiana

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Gabriele Salvatores

Country

Italy

Cast

Arnas Fedaravicius, Peter Stormare, John Malkovich, Vilius Tumalavicius, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jonas Trukanas, Vitalij Porshnev, Arnas Sliesoraitis, Pijus Grude, Ernestas Markevicius, Erikas Zaremba, Arvydas Lebeliunas, Viktoras Karpusenkovas, Daiva Stumbraite

Storyline

Kolyma (Arnas Fedaravicius) and Gagarin (Vilius Tumalavicius) grow up like brothers, raised by Kolyma's grandfather Kuzja (John Malkovich) who imposes very strict education to the children, focusing on hatred for the Soviets. In a robbery by two boys and two friends of theirs, Gagarin is stopped and arrested. Seven years later he is freed, but the world has changed, and he ends up in strong contrast with Kolyma.

Opinion

I did not read the book of Russian writer Lilin, but I read that the film doesn't stick much to the book. Now I believe that a film doesn't need to be identical to the book to be appreciated. However, still based on what I read about the book, I feel like the film could have been so much better.

Very interesting in terms of acting and aesthetic, Siberian Education is pretty much an ordinary gangster movie that seems half accomplished.

I'm really impressed that Italian director Gabriele Salvatores has tried something new, and has dealt with a part of history most of us don't know, but the film does have its flaws.

The main problem is the screenplay. Stefano Rulli, Sandro Petraglia and Salvatores do not find a way to carry the story, not even with the help of Lilin himself, and the result is a quite awkward script that alternates well made parts - childhood, criminal education, and carousel scene - to incomplete ones - the arrival of Xenya doesn't not bring the emotions it was supposed to, and the ending is nothing but hurried and also lacks emotions.

Despite many said they are different from the book, the characters are very interesting, in particular the extraordinary figure of Granpa Kuzja, reference point both of his family and of the Siberian clan. But, again, the character of Xenya has not been properly written.

The good thing is that the film gives some lessons that break off from the modern society we live in. First of all, money, whether they come from good or bad, is dirty. Second, we must help, and defend the weakest, because they are not able to do it themselves.

The acting steps up the film's game. When it comes to bad guys John Malkovich is the right pick. He lights up the film every time he is on screen, and delivers a stunning performance as the Russian Godfather, and makes you almost forget the fact that the characters speak English, with an accent but still English, instead of their native language. The others, Arnas Fedaravicius, Vilius Tumalavicius, Peter Stormare and Eleanor Tomlinson all do a fine job.

Quotes

Grandfather Kuzya: Man cannot possess more than his heart can love.

Animal Kingdom (2010)

Genre

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Director

David Michôd

Country

Australia

Cast

James Frecheville, Ben Mendelsohn, Guy Pearce, Jacki Weaver, Joel Edgerton, Sullivan Stapleton, Luke Ford, Dan Wyllie, Anthony Hayes, Laura Wheelwright, Mirrah Foulkes, Justin Rosniak, Susan Prior, Clayton Jacobson, Anna Lise Phillips

Storyline

After his mother dies, seventeen year-old J Cody (James Frecheville) has no choice but to contact his maternal grandmother, Janine "Smurf" Cody (Jacki Weaver), who rules her criminal family with a borderline incestuos love over her three sons. Among blood brothers and blood, manipulated trial sand revenge served cold, J will soon lose his innocence.

Opinion

The extremely impressive debut from Australian director David Michôd, Animal Kingdom is a tense, gloomy, innovative and mesmerizing crime family drama.

In this bitter and dramatic film, Michôd tells the gangster life as if it was an animal kingdom, where the strongest, the one that eats the weakest wins, and also makes a criticism to those men - and women - who are neither men nor animals. He shows all this with a cynical eye, with no compassion, and wonderfully manages to convey violence without aestheticizing it. 

However, the moral condemnation aforementioned soon stops to make room for a world where no one is really good or bad. In fact, whether criminals or cops there is no difference: they all use others for their own ends. Only detective Leckie makes exception. 

Also, don't expect long shooting scenes, or robberies or car chases because there are none in Animal Kingdom, as the action is reduced to a minimum.

The films makes use of the minimalist synthesiser music from Antony Partos to create an air of dread and tension.

The cast is uniformly excellent. In his debut James Frecheville is basically a piece of wood as J (in a good way), he is in a constant catatonic state, seemingly frail and confused, Ben Mendelsohn delivers a convincing performance as terrifying psychopath Pope, Guy Pearce gives a wonderful and intense performance as detective Leckie, and Jacki Weaver gives a strong performance as Smurf, the matriarch of the family with the psychotic smiles. 

Homefront (2013)

Genre

Action | Crime | Drama

Director

Gary Fleder

Country

USA

Cast

Jason Statham, James Franco, Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, Chuck Zito, Frank Grillo, Rachelle Lefevre, Clancy Brown, Christa Campbell, Stuart Green, Omar Benson Miller, Izabela Vidovic, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Marcus Hester, Austin Craig

Storyline

Former DEA agent Phil Broker (Jason Statham) moves to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old daughter Maddy (Izabela Vidovic). The is only one problem: he picked the wrong town.

Opinion

Based on Chuck Logan's novel, and with a quite good cast - I'm not talking about Statham of course -, the film was promising. Then I read Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay, and the house of cards fell apart.

As mentioned before Jason Statham is in it, and his films are pretty much the same thing. This time, he is a quiet guy in need to use his exceptional fighting skills against the bad guys, and he also happens to be the fastest in the west, as usual. 

Having said that, Homefront is an action film Statham's style - his fans are gonna love it -, with no climax, still the action and violence keep you entertained, and it gets a little bit thrilling at the end. Kind of.

Agreeing on the fact that Statham is good at fighting, he is not good at acting. His performance is substanceless, just a smile here, and a smile there. Izabela Vidovic very well plays Statham's daughter. James Franco does a great job as the main bad guy - finally a role that suits him. Winona Ryder does good with his small screen time. Kate Bosworth is pretty good too. I would have like to see more Frank Grillo in here. 

Quotes

Phil Broker: Whatever you're thinking, rethink it.

Reservoir Dogs (1992)

Genre

Crime | Drama

Director

Quentin Tarantino

Country

USA

Cast

Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Lawrence Tierney, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, Quentin Tarantino, Kirk Baltz, Randy Brooks, Edward Bunker

Storyline

Joe Cabot (Lawrence Tierney), a small-time crime boss, assembles six strangers with reputations as good thieves to steal a lot diamonds. When the police arrive at the scene before the burglars can even make their getaway, it becomes apparent that one of them is an undercover police officer.

Opinion

Reservoir Dogs is a disturbing, sadistic, violent, yet brilliant film destined to become a cult, and a unique directorial debut from a unique and outstanding director. The film, more about the consequences of the heist rather than the heist itself, tests the trust between the criminals. 

28-year-old Quentin Tarantino already proves to be a master of cinema, brilliantly writing and masterfully directing this outstanding piece of art. The beauty of Tarantino's direction is that the perspective is of someone who knows - and loves - cinema, not having studied it, but having seen it.

Some people said that the violence was unnecessary and didn't add anything to the plot, but it has an important role on the character development. It is because of the violence that we can learn more about the characters' personalities - not all of them, though.

The soundtrack couldn't be anything but spectacular, including Blue Swede's "Hooked on a Feeling"  that won't get out of my head easily now. 

With a top-actors cast, there is no surprise the acting is superb. Harvey Keitel is wonderful as Mr. White. Steve Buscemi freaks out for much of the film, still gives a great performance as Mr. Pink. Tim Roth, passed out and dying on the floor for most of the time, does a great job as Mr. Orange, carrying the emotional weight of the film. Lawrence Tierney as Joe, Michael Madsen as Mr. Blonde, and Chris Penn as Nice Guy Eddie are great as well. The problem in the acting is Quentin Tarantino, his character, Mr. Brown, is not great, and he is not a great actor.

Quotes

Mr. Pink: I don't wanna kill anybody. But if I gotta get out that door, and you're standing in my way, one way or the other, you're gettin' outta my way.

Mr. Pink: I can say I definitely didn't do it because I know what I did or didn't do. But I cannot definitely say that about anybody else, 'cause I don't definitely know.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Genre

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Directors

Ethan Coen | Joel Coen

Country

USA

Cast

Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Kelly Mcdonald, Woody Harrelson, Garret Dillahunt, Tess Harper, Berry Corbin, Beth Grant, Stephen Root, Gene Jones, Brandon Smith

Plot

After he finds $2 million in the desert where a drug deal has gone wrong, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) finds himself on the run. His pursuer is Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem), an unemotional killer with a unique murder weapon at his disposal.

Opinion

No Country for Old Men is a raw, disturbing, yet genial and spectacular film featuring the perfect mix of thrill and excitement, and literally takes your breath away.

Its slow pacing perfectly goes along with the delightful desolation of the desert, partially represented by desolation itself, and partially by the fear of the unknown; the complete absence of a score is just the right choice for the film, because the lack conveys even better the sense of bewilderment.

The Coen brothers' crafted a film that is unlike any film they have ever made, and also it is probably the best film they have ever made - it's hard for me to say it because I deeply love(d) Fargo. The direction is excellent, especially in the intense chase scenes between Chigurh and Moss, where the suspense reaches the highest level. Roger Deakins's photography is outstanding.

However, the performances deserve a special mention. Javier Bardem is the personification of evil: he is spectacular and everytime he come onto screen, I found myself not breathing and anxious. Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin give good performances, although facing the greatness of Bardem they serve more as a supporting cast.

Quotes

Anton Chigurh: Well done! Don't put it in your pocket, sir. Don't put it in your pocket. It's your lucky quarter.

Gas Station Proprietor: Where do you want me to put it?

Anton Chigurh: Anywhere not in your pocket, where it will get mixed in with the others and become just a coin, which it is.

The Untouchables (1987)

Genre

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Director

Brian De Palma

Country

USA

Cast

Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Charles Martin Smith, Andy García, Robert De Niro, Patricia Clarkson, Billy Drago, Richard Bradford, Jack Kehoe, Brad Sullivan, Clifton James

Plot

Young Treasury Agent Elliot Ness (Kevin Costner) assembles a personal team of mob fighters to bring Chicago crime boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro) to justice using unconventional means during the mob wars of the 1920's.

Opinion

Leaving out the fact that Elliot Ness is portrait as a saint, and he was none, and there are certain historical liberties taken with the story, this film stands out among the gangster films.

The Untouchables is an excellent, entertaining and thrilling historical, action and crime film all rolled up into one.

Brian De Palma once again proves being a masterful filmmaker, and this film is in my opinion his greatest work, a step ahead of his other great film, Scarface. This time, instead of focusing on a self-destructive gangster, De Palma focuses on a honest man with a noble mission. 

As I said before, there are many liberties with the history, and they affect in a negative way the character development, which is basically nonexistent, and the plot at some points.

However, De Palma solves these shortcomings with incredible scenes, the best of which is the outstanding railway station shootout. 

The acting is superb. Sean Connery delivers a towering performance as James Malone, winning his only and very well deserved Oscar. Kevin Costner delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as Elliot Ness. However, Robert De Niro is the standout actor, mesmerizing as crime boss Al Capone.

Quotes

Ness: Never stop, never stop fighting till the fight is done.

Capone: What'd you say? What're you saying?

Ness: I said, "Never stop fighting till the fight is done."

Capone: What?

Ness: You heard me, Capone. It's over.

Capone: Get out, you're nothing but a lot of talk and a badge.

Ness: Here endeth the lesson.

Larceny Inc. (1942)

I unknowingly watched a movie on Tuesday, April 21, with Anthony Quinn in it on the anniversary of his 100th birthday! The film was Larceny Inc. (1942), starring Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman, Jack Carson, and a young Jackie Gleason!!

It's about an ex-con who, after getting out of prison decides to rob a bank. He buys a luggage store next door to the bank and has his henchmen start to dig a hole in the basement. Wyman, who wants Robinson to go straight, advertises sales for his store so that his business booms. With the money rolling in, Robinson decides that maybe earning money honestly isn't so bad after all. He decides to go straight for real this time. Unfortunately, his old pal Quinn gets wind of his old plan and breaks out of jail to get in on the deal. There's nothing Robinson can do but follow Quinn's orders.

Playing baseball for the prison team

"Weepy"

 

Mademoiselle Gloria (owns a lingerie store): Well I wish you'd drop in and look over my lingerie sometime.  

J. Chalmers 'Pressure' Maxwell (Robinson): Well, you drop in sometime and look over my trunks.

Quinn means business

Never thought you'd see Robinson dressed as Santa did you?

 

Well, you just did.

It was fun seeing Jackie Gleason. I didn't recognize him at first! You can see the start of the famous Jackie Gleason facial expressions. It just looks like he's trying to imitate Ralph Kramden and failing though.

This film wasn't as good as The Whole Town's Talking that I posted about last Sunday, but it was still enjoyable to watch.

Read Caftan Woman's post on Larceny Inc.

This film airs on TCM on Sept. 18th at 10:15am EST.

All images found via Pinterest

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Genre

Action | Crime | Thriller

Director

Quentin Tarantino

Country

USA

Cast

Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, Michael Madsen, Daryl Hannah, Gordon Liu, Michael Parks, Bo Svenson, Jeannie Epper, Samuel L. Jackson, Larry Bishop, Sid Haig, Perla Haney-Jardine, Helen Kim, Chris Nelson, Laura Cayouette, Clark Middleton, Stephanie L. Moore, Lawrence Bender

Plot

The Bride (Uma Thurman) continues her quest of vengeance against her former boss and lover Bill (David Carradine), the reclusive bouncer Budd (Michael Madsen) and the treacherous, one-eyed Elle (Daryl Hannah).

Opinion

I thought splitting Quentin Tarantino's epic film into two parts was a shame, but I am glad it happened because the two episodes are very different even though the stories are tied together.

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 is astonishing, and, although it is not filled with action, it still is enjoyable and entertaining. 

The film cleverly alternates between funny moments, such as the Bride's training with the Cantonese Martial Arts Master, and dramatic moments, such as memories, in black and white. 

Those who had complained about the lack of witty dialogue in the first episode will be happy to know that Quentin Tarantino once again demonstrates a mastery of dialogue: it is the real essence of the film - the scene in which Bill is speaking with the Bride while he makes a sandwich and Bill's final monologue are unforgettable. 

The acting is good. Uma Thurman really fits in with her character, and Daryl Hannah is dazzling. However, David Carradine is the real deal: he is mesmerizing as Bill and he totally steal the show.

Quotes

Bill: As you know, I'm quite keen on comic books. Especially the ones about superheroes. I find the whole mythology surrounding superheroes fascinating. Take my favorite superhero, Superman. Not a great comic book. Not particularly well-drawn. But the mythology... The mythology is not only great, it's unique.

[...] Now, a staple of the superhero mythology is, there's the superhero and there's the alter ego. Batman is actually Bruce Wayne, Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker. When that character wakes up in the morning, he's Peter Parker. He has to put on a costume to become Spider-Man. And it is in that characteristic Superman stands alone. Superman didn't become Superman. Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears - the glasses, the business suit - that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent. He's weak... he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race. Sorta like Beatrix Kiddo and Mrs. Tommy Plimpton.

The Bride: Ah-so. The point emerges.

Bill: You would've worn the costume of Arlene Plimpton. But you were born Beatrix Kiddo. And every morning when you woke up, you'd still be Beatrix Kiddo. 

The Bride: Are you calling me a superhero?

Bill: I'm calling you a killer. A natural born killer. You always have been, and you always will be. Moving to El Paso, working in a used record store, goin' to the movies with Tommy, clipping coupons. That's you, trying to disguise yourself as a worker bee. That's you tryin' to blend in with the hive. But you're not a worker bee. You're a renegade killer bee. And no matter how much beer you drank or barbecue you ate or how fat your ass got, nothing in the world would ever change that.