Customer Reviews

Natural Born Killers (Director's Cut)

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

A film that didn't turn out as I expected. Ok I knew there was going to be violence just from its title but all the killing, the swearing and the chaos never stopped. I didn't particulary enjoy this film yet it for some reason it kept me interested, I wanted to see if fate played for or against Mickey and Mallory, two of the most twisted characters ever to come to a movie screen.

There's nothing gratifying in Natural Born Killers but there is an important message on how the media nowadays glorifies violence, creating cult followers for mass murderers - what Oliver Stone manages to do is portray the negative in the 90's, particularly American pseudo-culture. You have Rodney King, O.J Simpson, Tonya Harding, The Menendez Brothers... and all these things are linked by a single medium - 90's television.

Definitely not one of my favourites, but I do appreciate why people respect this movie so much, it's well made, just not to my liking as such. What would have been interesting to see was original script writer Quentin Tarentino's version, apparently much altered from the film. As it is though, its worth a viewing.

NATURAL BORN KILLERS is an aggressive, in-your-face, timeless bloodsoaked masterpiece. Man, this movie NEVER gets old! The power it has the first time you see it is EXACTLY the same power you'll feel when you see it for the eight or ninth time. This is one of those movies like REQUIEM FOR A DREAM that is just ridiculously AMAZING! It's hard to believe a filmmaker who's just a regular human being like everyone else could succeed so perfectly and astonishingly in capturing and showing every single message and critique he wanted to put in the forefront. Though it's sharp, audacious, angry, unapologetic, eye-opening satirical attack on the greedy and souless disgrace that is mainstream media, and the awe-striking way in which it constantly shows in so many different ways why the media is such a lying fear-promoting monster, is what makes it such a MONUMENTALLY important film, it would be brilliant filmmaking even without it. Stone has always been one of the most energetic, ambitious, and visually creative filmmakers in America, and he uses those skills to the max in this, the standout of his amazing career. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis couldn't have nailed the psycho persona, and all the different emotional and psychological wreckage that comes with it, more DEAD-ON! But the real acting standout of this film is the wonderful Robert Downey Jr.'s remarkable, raw, unforgiving, explosively hysterical turn as media scumbag Wayne Gale. He may have a Robin Leach-like accent, but don't be fooled: There is no doubt that this is motherf**king Geraldo Rivera IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAY! I'm surprised Rivera wasn't throwing the same disgraceful, disgusting, and shamefully self-righteous hizzy fit that the pathetic John Grisham threw, since the film captures (with a depressingly small amount of exaggeration) everything that makes Geraldo such reprehensible media vermin. To all the people who said this film was responsible for inciting violence: SHAME ON YOU! Isn't it funny that the vicious and dangerous moral and PC police always targets the best films? Like DOGMA, BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE and REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, this is one of the most socially conscious AND socially valuable films of it's time. And, like REQUIEM, it is a film that puts most filmmaking to shame and transcends the power of it's medium, thus becoming not just a great film but a terrific human achievment.

A Hedonistic Couple (Woody Harrelson & Juliette Lewis), who murder more that fifty people, while they got married. They Kill for the thrill of it. But when the American Public and the Whole World starts a infatuation with these Outlaws. They become Stars by the Media and they become Anti-Heroes.

Directed by Two Time Oscar-Winner:Oliver Stone (Any Given Sunday, Born on the Fourth of July, The Doors) made a strange, unusual, unique, hyperkinetic style, satire film with wild performances by the two leads. Supporting Cast are Terrific also:Robert Downey Jr., Oscar-Winner:Tommy Lee Jones, Tom Sizemore, Rodney Dangerfield & more. It`s the Cast that highlighted this Compelling, Powerful, Black Comedy & Extremely Violent Film. Downey Jr. gives the Best Overacting Performance in the film (Which he steals the Show). DVD has an sharp non-anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer & an strong-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an Interesting Commentary by the Director, Six Deleted Scenes with an Altertive Edting with a Introduction by the Director & more. This is the Unrated Version added Two Minutes of Additional Footage. This Fascination Premise was Originally Written by Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill Vol.1 & Vol.2, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs), despite the disowned the film. When the director, the screenwriters & the producers made changes to Tarantino`s Original Screenplay. Which now Tarantino only recieves Story Credit. Still, the movie is Increasingly Challenge, Ingenious, Acclaimed Film but it`s also notorious ugly, disgusting film for some, which is not for all tastes. A disturbing film that become a Cult Classic. Screenplay by David Veloz, Richard Rutowski & Oliver Stone. Intoxicating Cinematoghaphy Work by Oscar-Winner:Robert Richardson (Oliver Stone`s JFK). Grade:A+.

this movie was fantastic. it has a little bit of each genre in it. woody harrelson gives an amazing performance along side a great cast of talented actors. every character in the movie was depicted perfectly by that who played it. most people who have seen this movie don't truly get what it was about. the core of it was a love story. a love story surrounded by chaos and mass murder and some psychedelics. this movie definitely gets 5 stars from me.

One day as i was sitting at home scrolling through ondemand, i noticed the movie "Natural Born Killers." Immediately I jumped for joy because i was not interested in movies of my age group. And had always wanted to see this film because of one word:CONTROVERSIAL. Three words to described this film when i finally saw it: EDGY,DARK, and a little COMEDIC. While sitting in my living room i felt like i was on a roun-trip to rangoon that i couldnt control. The relationship between Mickey, and Mallory, moved me. And not because they were to serial killers, but because these two people generally loved each other. And would do anything to stay together. Props for Juliette Lewis and Woody Harrelson for pulling off one of the best movies of the 90's. And props to Oliver Stone and Quentin Taratino for pulling off a movie about serial killing and how people can be affected by it through the media.

"Natural Born Killers" is Oliver Stone's "take-no-prisoners" assault on the media that is cinematic eye-candy to the teeth. It's an uneasy satire to watch, but it is an extremely effective film that is both thrilling and funny. Many people loath this movie, as it is not an easy one to take. I feel there's a lot of ugly truths hidden within, and those truths aren't very easy to accept for most. For those who are aware of how manipulative and hypocritical the media world can be are in for one crazy and unforgiving ride that has no limits.

Mickey and Mallory Knox may appear to be your ordinary couple, but they aren't. In fact, the two are notorious serial killers who love to get their adrenaline pumping by destroying the lives of others. The media has pretty much made the villainous duo heroes to the public, as they can't get enough of them. They headline every single news program with absolute pride. As the two continue their bloody rampage through the states, the public is watching every step of the way with bloodshot eyes.

The structure of the film is usually what turns people off from it, but I thought it was all executed perfectly. It doesn't follow your basic plot structure in the same way most films do. We're presented with the characters, the conflict, resolution, etc.--but it's pieced together in random spots as if you were surfing through different channels on the TV. This is extremely effective for what Stone is trying to convey. It's a disturbing film because it actually sheds light on something most people don't want to fess up to, and that is the glorification of criminals and violence. I found it to be a breath-taking satire, as well as an outstanding film all together.

One of the many strong points that this film has is the amazing acting from the superb cast. Woody Harrelson is savagely entertaining as the notorious "Mickey," while Juliette Lewis is beautiful and deadly. Robert Downey Jr. is a complete joy to watch as he partakes in the role of the obsessive talk-show host who is only concerned with ratings (now, who does he remind you of?). It also must be said that Tommy Lee Jones gives one of his funniest performances ever--the expressions on his face are absolutely priceless.

This particular DVD version of the movie contains a bunch of goodies for DVD fanatics. One of the main features is that this is the "Director's Cut." While it's not much longer than the original theatrical version, certain extended shots and angles deemed "controversial" have been restored in this version. The picture and sound quality is really great and does the film the justice that it deserves. Extras that can be found on the DVD include the director's commentary, deleted scenes, an alternative ending, and cast and crew interviews. Not a bad package, if you ask me.

"Natural Born Killers" is an absolute cinematic treat to film buffs. While it's most likely not to be welcomed with open-arms by most, it certainly is entertaining to those who love it. It's not your ordinary movie, that much is for sure. If you're looking for a risk-taking satire that defies all of the rules and boundaries, this might be the choice for you. It's a unique experience that never loses its appeal or originality. -Michael Crane

I had been wanting to see this movie for awhile since it has gotten fairly good reviews and the cover of it looked cool, so I rented it yesterday. I must say that this film is really stupid and I really can't see how anyone could like it. The ONLY way you can enjoy this film is if you're intoxicated. Woody Harrelson was alright, but the main actress in the film has an annoying voice and I think they should have just made her a mute or something. I can handle weird moives, but it just seems like someone got high and just threw a bunch of random stuff together.

*SPOILERS*

The only decent parts of the film were when they escaped from the prison, but chances are, you've probably already given up on this crappy movie before that scene even takes place. What a waste of time this movie was.

Before seeing Natural Born Killers everyone's heard the hype behind the violence of the movie, so going into it you've already got your preconceptions. Stone sets up a nightmarish blurring between the world of the media and reality, using various images such as black and white, colour, cartoon and sitcom pastiches to tell the story of killers on the run and in love Mickey (Harrelson) and Mallory (Lewis). NBK charts their ascent into celebrity which reaches fever pitch once they're captured thanks to Robert Downey Jnr's TV presenter whipping up a media frenzy.

You'd think that the movie had a lot to say given the ambitions it sets, but in fact it seems to just stage a hate campaign against the media. Admitedly, the visuals with which it does so are impressive and interesting but, especially in the early stages, can distract from the overall film. One thing I did like in particular though was the 'I Love Mallory' show, a satire depicting Mallory's abusive childhood and her subsequent rescue by Mickey. This, and Downey Jnr. dressed as the devil dripping with blood, are some of things to truly savour from the movie. The performances too, are all well-judged. Harrelson and Lewis play the oddball, murderous love birds to perfection and Downey Jnr. continues to impress in every role he's in.

Unfortunately, it's all too easy to compare NBK to any number of other movies, most of which make it seem a pale imitator. It fails to evoke the sympathy for its protagonists that Bonnie and Clyde did and compared to the more masterful Man Bites Dog, its satirisation of how media encourages violence comes across as amateurish rather than astute. Quentin Tarantino apparently disowned the movie after Stone's reworking, and it's not hard to see why. Whilst it's certainly memorable, it seems to strive for the kinetic energy that made Pulp Fiction, True Romance (and latterly Kill Bill Vol. 1) tick and fall flat on its face. Interestingly, it's actually not as violent as it has been reputed and shouldn't be condemned on those grounds. Certainly, NBK has its moments and it's an enjoable film as a whole, but it's far from perfect and one of the least distinguished movie to bear Tarantino's stamp on it.

Tarintino is a genius he helped write this movie and it was great! I loved all the black and white parts that is just great great film making! I love how you are able to look inside the cerial killers mind and see why he is that way. Great story telling and belive it or not I thought it was kinda funny at some parts. It also had a great cast and great acting. Man Lewis is so hot! Reason for the 4 stars I thought was that crazy ending I really didnt like how they got away with everything and even still live a happy life with children and all. Thats just not real. But Tarintio is a natural born writer!

Harrelson and Lewis do a really good job in this somewhat odd movie. It's tongue-in-cheek, making fun of itself, yet cold, harsh, and violent. Just a very unique movie. If needless violence bothers you, then you need to take a pass, b/c the movie is primarily ABOUT needless violence.