Repo Man

Repo Man is one of those films that succeeds beautifully at being uniquely strange, thanks to an odd combination of factors. First of all there's Alex Cox's script, delivered by a perfect cast. Like "Withnaill and I", this film by a first-time director is hilarious for those who "get" the dialogue and incomprehensible for those who don't. Then there's the unique blend of absurdity and realism in its portrayal of the LA punk scene of the early 1980s. And finally there's the implicit political message, which is very much in tune with "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (also scripted by Cox). The result had to be a "cult" film -- although there's also a "cleaned-up" television version included in this Criterion edition (for the curious, or those who prefer films without profanity or drug use). But this sci-fi comedy is one of those "cult" films that doesn't get old.

Criterion, as usual, has given us extras that take us behind the scenes of the making of the film: a recent conversation among the producers and director Cox, a great commentary track, deleted scenes, and interviews with Iggy Pop and Harry Dean Stanton that are worth catching even apart from what they tell us about the film. And last but not least, the 70-page booklet, which includes the comic-book version of the story. Perusing all this, one can't help but be amazed that this film could get made in Hollywood at all. Amazed, but grateful to all involved.

One thing I do know is this film is a modern day masterpiece.Unlike anything made before it.A true work of art and absolutely essential to any great DVD collection.Better than Gone With The Wind.It will make you wanna go to L.A. but stay home and watch Repo Man instead.I really wish they'd release the made for TV version of it as well.Along with the high art of Richard Elfman's brilliant Forbidden Zone, Repo Man is in a class all by itself.SUPERB!

Wow, ummm....interesting. Finally something different. No, I mean this is REALLY different. About time to, cuz lately I've seen a string of bvad movies, so it's nice to see something cool and original every now and then. Otto (Emilio Estevez) is a Los Angeles punk, a loser with no direction and no role models. But he discovers a code of honor and higher purpose when he joins a select group of latter-day knights: the repo men. As a fledging apprentice, Otto slowly learns the ways of these high-caliber, overmedicated auto repossessors. And when a $20,000 bounty is placed on a mysterious missing car, Otto eludes the police, feds, religious cultists, and other repo men in a frantic search for this holy grail. Could one man's destiny lie in the back of a 1964 Chevy Malibu? For some, actually for many, this film will come of as stupid and random, but for those of us who "get" it, this is a breathe of fresh air. Using clever, if somewhat odd, story telling, this film should keep you entertained and amused throughout the entire duration of the film. I say rent first, then but.