Details
Movie Description
Melanie Griffith and Jeff Daniels star in this quirky road movie from director Jonathan Demme (MARRIED TO THE MOB, SILENCE OF THE LAMBS). Charlie Driggs (Daniels) is a timid New York investment broker who lets himself be abducted during his lunch hour by an attractive nut named Lulu (Griffith). While drunk, she drives him to a New Jersey hotel for some kinky sex and petty thievery, and later convinces him to accompany her to Pennsylvania and pose as her husband at her high school reunion. More misadventures ensue, and Charlie gradually finds himself loosening up and falling in love, but then the film makes a sudden left turn with the appearance of Ray (Ray Liotta), Lulu's real husband--a violent ex-convict. As the film's tone oscillates from lightheartedness to darkness, Demme's affection for his characters never wavers, and he keeps things moving with a jubilant soundtrack of global music and a roster of cameo appearances that include directors John Waters and John Sayles, and musicians the Feelies and Sister Carol. It's a comedy, it's a drama, it's a look at the pleasures and dangers of stepping outside the norm, in life and in film.
Synopsis
Jonathan Demme's vibrant, original comedy-thriller tells the story of Charles Driggs (Jeff Daniels), a conservative yuppie tax consultant who gets sucked into a series of adventures with a sexy, impulsive kook named Lulu (Melanie Griffith) after she picks him up on his Friday afternoon lunch hour. When Lulu’s criminal husband, Ray (Ray Liotta), picks up their trail, their world gets dark very quickly. This unpredictable gem also features a great musical soundtrack and cameos from filmmakers John Waters and John Sayles.
Film Notes
Theatrical release: October 22, 1986.
Filmed on Location in New York City and Tallahassee, Florida.
Richard Guay, who went on to become a producer-screenwriter, was production auditor on the film, and writer-director Nancy Savoca was an assistant auditor.
Industry Reviews
"...A buoyant road-movie romance....[Griffith and Daniels] make a charming couple of liars....Exuberant..."
Maslin
"...Conceptually and stylistically compelling....SOMETHING WILD gets better the wilder and bolder it becomes..."
Variety (10/29/1986)
"...Demme finds haunting overtones....SOMETHING WILD also has three first-class performances..."
Los Angeles Times - Sheila Benson (11/06/1986)
Quotations
"You look out for that girl."--Peaches, Audrey's mother (Dana Preu), to Charlie (Jeff Daniels)
"Remember, no matter what, it's better to be a live dog than a dead lion."--Motel Philosopher
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