Review: A comic-book nerd and Elvis fanatic Clarence (Christian Slater) and a prostitute named Alabama (Patricia Arquette) fall in love. Clarence breaks the news to her pimp (Gary Oldman) and ends up killing him. He grabs a suitcase of cocaine on his way out thinking it is Alabama's clothing. The two hit the road for California hoping to sell the cocaine, but the mob is soon after them.
True Romance is a fantastic romantic crime story, directed by Tony Scott, and written by Quentin Tarantino. It's kind of rom-com, but I think most of the comedy here is derived from watching all-star actors play characters out of their norms. There is also a healthy dosage of violence and flamboyance a la Mr. Tarantino's script. This film boasts a spectacular cast with Christian Slater portraying our protagonist, an Elvis aficionado. Val Kilmer plays the King of Rock 'N Roll himself, Gary Oldman is a pimp with dreadlocks (yes, you read that right), Brad Pitt is a stoner who never leaves the couch, and Patricia Arquette is an escort named Alabama. I should just end this review now because I think I've said everything I need to get you to watch this movie. This movie is a thrill ride from start to finish, with exhilarating action, unbelievable acting, an unconventional fairytale of romance, and a brilliant linear script. This movie really has everything you could possibly want in a movie experience, and I think you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who could watch this film and not find at least something captivating. I really enjoyed this movie, and I think it's a must watch film that doesn't always get the credit it deserves in the Tony Scott or the Quentin Tarantino arenas. Give True Romance a watch and I promise you'll fall in love just like Clarence and Alabama!
Fun Fact: Gary Oldman met with Tony Scott about the project, and told him he hadn't had a chance to read the script he had been sent, then asked Scott what his part would be like. Scott told him, "You're playing a white guy who thinks he's black, and you're a killer pimp." Oldman laughed and immediately accepted the role.