21 reviews
In the Soup was a part of the 1992 Sundance selection, one of the various efforts engulfed by the wave of the audacious debuts of Tarantino and Rodriguez, and yet it is the freshly resourceful, deeply personal film that either of them have yet to make even now. It is a comedy about a self-conscious screenwriter named Adolfo, played by the ubiquitous Steve Buscemi, who has written an unfilmable 500-page screenplay and is looking for a producer. Wherever Alexandre Rockwell's career has gone since this much-overlooked flick, there is a great deal of clarity here. As an aspiring filmmaker at the time I see it, I can understand a lot more about Adolfo's vision as an aspiring filmmaker than what is actually said. Such a convoluted vision Buscemi has that is relieved and clarified by his experiences.
Such experiences include the appearance of Seymour Cassel's Joe, a fast-talking shyster who promises to produce the film but has his own unique ideas regarding film financing. There are so many realistic scenes between an obsessive, complicated artisan and a simple street guy, intensified by the specific external realities of theirs which clash. There is so much more about Adolfo's emotional state during his exploits with Joe than what he narrates, "Instead of making my movie, I was living in his." Whatever Joe and his intentions may or may not turn out to be, Adolfo now, rather than cloistering in his sketchy NYC apartment synthesizing the styles and thematic elements of his cinema idols, he actually has something personal and profound to say and to write.
A low-budget indie feature debut, originally shot in color but released in black and white, it does not play out like an art film. The story is simple, earnest, real. Even when Buscemi narrates and explains in dialogue his ambitious cinematic visions, it is his character who handles this, not the outer film. There are no airs to the dialogue, and many of the peripheral characters are for comic effect. Will Patton seals the deal on Buscemi's interpretation of Joe and his occupation. Stanley Tucci is hilarious as his neighbor Beals' emotional Hispanic husband. And it's refreshingly funny to see Sam Rockwell as a retarded kid with a helmet.
Reservoir Dogs was an auspicious debut to match, and though El Mariachi hardly compares to the Tarantino film's writing or star power Rodriguez opened almost as many eyes for its generation to the potential of completely autonomous ultra-shoestring-budget indie film-making as Cassavetes did 35 years earlier. So, I am not partially or rationally surprised that Rockwell's In the Soup was lost under the sudden and violent windstorm phenomenon of those other two simultaneous selections, nor do I think that it's nearly as easy for personal filmmakers to remain consistent with critics and audiences as action filmmakers with more common filmgoers' appeal. Nonetheless, this down-to-earth little gem hopefully holds its own over time.
Such experiences include the appearance of Seymour Cassel's Joe, a fast-talking shyster who promises to produce the film but has his own unique ideas regarding film financing. There are so many realistic scenes between an obsessive, complicated artisan and a simple street guy, intensified by the specific external realities of theirs which clash. There is so much more about Adolfo's emotional state during his exploits with Joe than what he narrates, "Instead of making my movie, I was living in his." Whatever Joe and his intentions may or may not turn out to be, Adolfo now, rather than cloistering in his sketchy NYC apartment synthesizing the styles and thematic elements of his cinema idols, he actually has something personal and profound to say and to write.
A low-budget indie feature debut, originally shot in color but released in black and white, it does not play out like an art film. The story is simple, earnest, real. Even when Buscemi narrates and explains in dialogue his ambitious cinematic visions, it is his character who handles this, not the outer film. There are no airs to the dialogue, and many of the peripheral characters are for comic effect. Will Patton seals the deal on Buscemi's interpretation of Joe and his occupation. Stanley Tucci is hilarious as his neighbor Beals' emotional Hispanic husband. And it's refreshingly funny to see Sam Rockwell as a retarded kid with a helmet.
Reservoir Dogs was an auspicious debut to match, and though El Mariachi hardly compares to the Tarantino film's writing or star power Rodriguez opened almost as many eyes for its generation to the potential of completely autonomous ultra-shoestring-budget indie film-making as Cassavetes did 35 years earlier. So, I am not partially or rationally surprised that Rockwell's In the Soup was lost under the sudden and violent windstorm phenomenon of those other two simultaneous selections, nor do I think that it's nearly as easy for personal filmmakers to remain consistent with critics and audiences as action filmmakers with more common filmgoers' appeal. Nonetheless, this down-to-earth little gem hopefully holds its own over time.
A neurotic nebbish (Steve Buscemi) lives in two worlds: the fantasy of winning his dream-girl (Jennifer Beals) via a hit movie, and the meager existence he scrapes out from very odd jobs, such as thesping in an arty no-budget flick.
How fitting that Jim Jarmusch has a cameo, because this film is very much a Jarmusch type of movie. Had his name been under the "directed by" heading, I would never have doubted it. Which, I suppose, is a compliment to the real director. You also have to hand it to them for getting such a stellar cast. Buscemi is an indie darling, but Beals had already gone big by this point -- it was brave for her to take this role.
This is not so much a movie about making a movie as it is an underworld film. Not a mob movie, exactly, but definitely people of loose character who walk on the edges of society. And yet, there is something rather charming about them.
How fitting that Jim Jarmusch has a cameo, because this film is very much a Jarmusch type of movie. Had his name been under the "directed by" heading, I would never have doubted it. Which, I suppose, is a compliment to the real director. You also have to hand it to them for getting such a stellar cast. Buscemi is an indie darling, but Beals had already gone big by this point -- it was brave for her to take this role.
This is not so much a movie about making a movie as it is an underworld film. Not a mob movie, exactly, but definitely people of loose character who walk on the edges of society. And yet, there is something rather charming about them.
Adolpho (Steve Buscemi) is a loser who wants to be a filmmaker. However, his prospects are non-existent and he has two singing gangsters threatening to break his legs unless he pays his rent. His fortune seems to have changed when he finds a guy who likes his work and wants to finance his films. But the more time Adolpho spends with Joe (Seymour Cassel) the more he realizes the guy just ain't right...plus he's a crook. Adolpho is shocked and despite the two guys threatening him, he refuses to work with Joe, as Joe just seems dangerous and bizarre. Joe simply won't take no for an answer. What's next? See the film.
This small black & white independent film is very odd. It's because although it appears to have been made for practically nothing and looks grubby, it has an amazing array of supporting actors. This includes the director Jim Jarmusch (in an acting role), Jennifer Beals, Stanley Tucci, Carol Kane and Sam Rockwell in addition to Cassel and Buscemi. Obviously the filmmakers knew people.
So is it any good? Well, it certainly never is dull as the film is jam-packed full of weird and quirky folks. You just can't ignore them--and they are captivating and it looks, at times, like a Fellini film (he was known for the 'faces' co-starring in his movies). Weird beyond belief the more you watch! The only one who came off poorly, surprisingly, was Tucci, as his accent sounded very strange. The rest were strange but entertaining....as was the entire film! My recommendation is to watch it but turn off your brain...otherwise you're bound to wonder WHAT you are seeing!
This small black & white independent film is very odd. It's because although it appears to have been made for practically nothing and looks grubby, it has an amazing array of supporting actors. This includes the director Jim Jarmusch (in an acting role), Jennifer Beals, Stanley Tucci, Carol Kane and Sam Rockwell in addition to Cassel and Buscemi. Obviously the filmmakers knew people.
So is it any good? Well, it certainly never is dull as the film is jam-packed full of weird and quirky folks. You just can't ignore them--and they are captivating and it looks, at times, like a Fellini film (he was known for the 'faces' co-starring in his movies). Weird beyond belief the more you watch! The only one who came off poorly, surprisingly, was Tucci, as his accent sounded very strange. The rest were strange but entertaining....as was the entire film! My recommendation is to watch it but turn off your brain...otherwise you're bound to wonder WHAT you are seeing!
- planktonrules
- Jul 24, 2020
- Permalink
Cast your mind back to the early 1990s when the American indie scene spawned such wonderful movies as 'Johnny Suede', 'Barton Fink', and 'Reservoir Dogs', and this one, Alexandre Rockwell's brilliant debut 'In The Soup'. Rockwell's subsequent career didn't really go the way you'd imagine, and lately he's really slipped off the radar, but that doesn't take anything away from this wonderful little movie. And yes, it IS a "quirky indie comedy", but don't panic, it's a very good one. Indie favourite Steve Buscemi ('Reservoir Dogs', 'Fargo', 'Trees Lounge') plays Aldolpho, a pretentious wanna be movie director, who unexpectedly finds himself partners with Joe (Seymour Cassel), a small time hood. Cassel is one of those character actors who delivers the goods year in, year out, but never gets the attention he deserves. Even if you don't know his name you will recognise his face, from John Cassavetes movies to 'Rushmore'. He's almost always good, but 'In The Soup' is the best I've ever seen him. He gives a superb comic performance, and he and Buscemi work very well together (Buscemi must think so too, as he gave Cassel a small cameo in his directorial debut 'Trees Lounge'.) The rest of the cast are excellent, and include Jennifer Beals ('Vampire's Kiss'), Stanley Tucci ('The Impostors'), Will Patton ('Jesus' Son'), Sam Rockwell ('Safe Men'), Debi Mazar ('Goodfellas'), and others, as well as a quirky turn from Carol Kane ('Taxi') and director Jim Jarmusch ('Mystery Train') as producers of a nude cable TV show. Don't be put off by the "quirky indie comedy" tag, 'In The Soup' is a great movie, and highly recommended to fans of Steve Buscemi and/or Seymour Cassel.
"In the Soup" is a nice little gem of a movie. If you liked Steve Buscemi in "Ghost World" you should like him here because he is basically playing the same perpetually dour and befuddled character. And if you liked "Ghost World" in general you should like "In the Soup" because they have a similar theme and storyline. They both focus on a character being taught how to live by the example of another character. "In the Soup" does not have "Ghost Story's" ironic twist (where the teacher is the one who actually learns how to live). It is more straightforward and not as clever but is still light years more intelligent than most mainstream films.
Buscemi's character needs a producer for his 500-page screenplay with quirky features like beginning with a 20 minute black leader (just a blank screen) to introduce his lead character's blindness. He intends to cast his neighbor (and unrequited love interest) Jennifer Beals who barely acknowledges his existence although he sleeps with her shoe under his pillow. Buscemi gets "in the soup" when he hooks up with a gangster who wants to produce the film. Seymour Cassell plays the gangster with an infectious gusto that deservedly won Sundance Festival's Best Actor Award. All three performances are excellent, as is a brief appearance by Carol Kane as the co-producer of an access TV show featuring nude interviews (The Naked Truth).
If all this sounds to you like it could be fun you are this film's target audience.
Shooting in black-and-white on a tight budget Director Alexandre Rockwell has put together a funny feature with a lot of charm. The production values are first-class. More importantly he has told a worthwhile story and communicated useful lessons to apply to the process of living.
Buscemi's character needs a producer for his 500-page screenplay with quirky features like beginning with a 20 minute black leader (just a blank screen) to introduce his lead character's blindness. He intends to cast his neighbor (and unrequited love interest) Jennifer Beals who barely acknowledges his existence although he sleeps with her shoe under his pillow. Buscemi gets "in the soup" when he hooks up with a gangster who wants to produce the film. Seymour Cassell plays the gangster with an infectious gusto that deservedly won Sundance Festival's Best Actor Award. All three performances are excellent, as is a brief appearance by Carol Kane as the co-producer of an access TV show featuring nude interviews (The Naked Truth).
If all this sounds to you like it could be fun you are this film's target audience.
Shooting in black-and-white on a tight budget Director Alexandre Rockwell has put together a funny feature with a lot of charm. The production values are first-class. More importantly he has told a worthwhile story and communicated useful lessons to apply to the process of living.
- aimless-46
- May 15, 2005
- Permalink
Sometimes you're kind of reluctant to watch a movie because you don't really expect anything of it, but then you end up being so pleasantly surprised! I had that experience with "In the Soup". This film truly is a little gem as mentioned before. This strange, offbeat movie grew on me with every scene I watched. Steve Buscemi is brilliantly funny as script-writer and 'wannabe' director Adolpho. Seymour Cassel is great as well but I definitely shouldn't forget to mention Jennifer Beals.. my god, how this woman made me laugh! She was pitch perfect for her role as Buscemi's cranky Latin-American neighbor Angelica, his secret love interest who he wants to star in his movie. I can highly recommend this movie, if you're a Buscemi fan, it's a "must-see" !
- gerardajohannadevries
- Aug 25, 2005
- Permalink
Being one of the biggest movie experts ever my movie knowledge is so varied, that you shouldn't be surprised of the fact that I know the neo-realist movement even tho I have seen very few movies from that movement. And since I am a big fan of Steve Buscemi, I knew that I had to see this one, and I mildly liked it.
Adolpho Rollo (Buscemi) is a loser that lives in an apartment and is often visited by two gangsters that menace of breaking his legs unless he pays the rent and has dreams of being a filmmaker despite he can't have his projects green-lighted. His fate seems to change when he meets Joe (Seymour Cassel) who shows some interest in his script and wants to turn it in a movie. But more Adolpho spends time with Joe he notices that the guy isn't right and refuses to work for him. Joe doesn't take no for an answer and will do everything for making Adolpho say yes for doing the damn movie.
This film is surprising because even tho it's shot in black and white and probably made on a low budget, it has a lot of famous supporting actors. Not only Cassel and Buscemi, but also Stanley Tucci, Will Patton, Sam Rockwell (and his brother directed it), Jennifer Beals, Debi Mazar and Paul Herman, so you certainly should have money for hiring all these names.
I liked the performances but I thought that at times it was a bit too strange and some moments were on the verge of confusing the viewer. So, my advice would be to suspend disbelief because if you think too much your head might explode.
Adolpho Rollo (Buscemi) is a loser that lives in an apartment and is often visited by two gangsters that menace of breaking his legs unless he pays the rent and has dreams of being a filmmaker despite he can't have his projects green-lighted. His fate seems to change when he meets Joe (Seymour Cassel) who shows some interest in his script and wants to turn it in a movie. But more Adolpho spends time with Joe he notices that the guy isn't right and refuses to work for him. Joe doesn't take no for an answer and will do everything for making Adolpho say yes for doing the damn movie.
This film is surprising because even tho it's shot in black and white and probably made on a low budget, it has a lot of famous supporting actors. Not only Cassel and Buscemi, but also Stanley Tucci, Will Patton, Sam Rockwell (and his brother directed it), Jennifer Beals, Debi Mazar and Paul Herman, so you certainly should have money for hiring all these names.
I liked the performances but I thought that at times it was a bit too strange and some moments were on the verge of confusing the viewer. So, my advice would be to suspend disbelief because if you think too much your head might explode.
- bellino-angelo2014
- Jul 6, 2023
- Permalink
First and foremost, this movie is absolutely hilarious. If you haven't seen it, rent it and enjoy. I envy you for the experience you will have.
This movie has a very young Steve Buscemi, and he's at his best. Seymore Casselle's performance is both as funny and as powerful as his role was in Minnie and Moskowitz, and that's as big of a compliment as I could give to anyone.
The direction here is impeccable. Music is both romantic, sad and moving without it ever being heavy-handed. The pacing is neither rushed nor is it ever slow. The story feels as unpredictable as life only much more interesting. Rockwell clearly takes tips from Fellini and makes it into an American original.
If you like Bottle Rockets, Strangers in Paradise, Clerks, Bill Hicks, Daniel Johnston, James Brown basically if you have any soul in your body, you will adore this movie.
This movie has a very young Steve Buscemi, and he's at his best. Seymore Casselle's performance is both as funny and as powerful as his role was in Minnie and Moskowitz, and that's as big of a compliment as I could give to anyone.
The direction here is impeccable. Music is both romantic, sad and moving without it ever being heavy-handed. The pacing is neither rushed nor is it ever slow. The story feels as unpredictable as life only much more interesting. Rockwell clearly takes tips from Fellini and makes it into an American original.
If you like Bottle Rockets, Strangers in Paradise, Clerks, Bill Hicks, Daniel Johnston, James Brown basically if you have any soul in your body, you will adore this movie.
- catcher22productions
- Dec 11, 2004
- Permalink
In 1992's well-cast but decidely quirky NY dramedy "In The Soup" struggling wannabe film-maker Steve Buscemi (who loves an 'artsy' movie) is taken in by jovial mobster Seymour Cassel (terrific) who convinces him he'll fund his movie, and help him get with his neighbour Jennifer Beals (who has family complications like Sam Rockwell & Stanley Tucci). There are small parts also for the likes of Will Patton, Jim Jarmusch & Elizabeth Bracco, all strung together in grainy b&w by director Alexandre Rockwell around his & co-writer Sollace Mitchell's off-center but ultimately impressive screenplay. It certainly isn't for everyone, but it is a solid and original little movie.
- danieljfarthing
- Jun 26, 2024
- Permalink
This enjoyable indie feature, a one of a kind crossover of Jarmusch meets Coen brothers with a touch of David Lynch proved to be a true revelation. An outsider loser played with true perfection by Steve Buscemi with his wide-eyed naiveté, lives in a dingy apartment with Tarkovsky, Goddard and Renoir on his wannabe filmmaker's mind and is suckered into a passionate relationship with a smiling gangster beautifully portrayed by the late Seymour Cassel, a role that won him a prize at Sundance for his scene-stealing turn as Joe, the small-time hood who helps aspiring filmmaker Adolpho Rollo (Steve Buscemi) make his screen bow in return for the odd favour. Cassel once claimed that the fun part of acting was "filling out a part and making it a little crazy", and this is the key to his byplay with Buscemi. Buscemi on the other hand is filming his dream with 16mm camera exactly like the Kieslowski's "Film buff" and the centerpiece of this dream is beautiful Angelica Peña, played by Jennifer Beals in a truly memorable role. Their relationship is a roller coaster ride between contempt and affection a perfect antithesis to the role Cassel plays in both their lives. Stanley Tucci has a great cameo as French oddball wannabe husband to Beals and in a scene taken directly from David Lynch his favorite little man Michael J. Anderson appears and does the trick. Not to forget couple of idiotic landlords that spark up the story and LP record step-by-step guide to dancing the Cha-Cha.
I watched this movie with widest smile and it was such a refreshing experience to see the best parts of distinctive directors I love in each scene beautifully put together by Alexandre Rockwell. It's funny, it's refreshing and relaxing. You may even simpathize wit the characters. More than recommended.
I watched this movie with widest smile and it was such a refreshing experience to see the best parts of distinctive directors I love in each scene beautifully put together by Alexandre Rockwell. It's funny, it's refreshing and relaxing. You may even simpathize wit the characters. More than recommended.
Thanks for Amazon and their: people who bought this... also bought "In the Soup",
I ordered it. I am a fan of Steve Buscemi, so "hey you got no complaints".
What a delightful surprise this movie turned out to be. The lovely Jennifer Beals has aged so gracefully (she looks even better here than in Flashdance; more rounded out character too) and Seymour Cassel should have been nominated for an Oscar in this, I believe, mostly ignored movie. Can't even find a Roger Ebert review of it, and he usually has a nose for unusual, but good movies.
Speaking of noses, Cassel is a delight who delights in existing from day to day, always ready for an adventure, a surprise, or a bit of crime and a bit of a ca-noodle. Poor Buscemi, who is a dreamer with a script for the "great American movie" and hasn't had much of a life, is at first thrilled to meet the potential film financier (Cassel), then becomes a bit frightened of him and in the end realizes he grew as a person and made some friends and possibly can make a more simplified version of his movie after all.
Don't want to give much more away. The lovely black and white vignettes, following each other quickly give you a taste of life in a squalid part of New York. It is European in execution, a bit film-noir-ish, but unique, entertaining, and touching.
The singing rent collectors are a hoot-!
Don't miss it!
I ordered it. I am a fan of Steve Buscemi, so "hey you got no complaints".
What a delightful surprise this movie turned out to be. The lovely Jennifer Beals has aged so gracefully (she looks even better here than in Flashdance; more rounded out character too) and Seymour Cassel should have been nominated for an Oscar in this, I believe, mostly ignored movie. Can't even find a Roger Ebert review of it, and he usually has a nose for unusual, but good movies.
Speaking of noses, Cassel is a delight who delights in existing from day to day, always ready for an adventure, a surprise, or a bit of crime and a bit of a ca-noodle. Poor Buscemi, who is a dreamer with a script for the "great American movie" and hasn't had much of a life, is at first thrilled to meet the potential film financier (Cassel), then becomes a bit frightened of him and in the end realizes he grew as a person and made some friends and possibly can make a more simplified version of his movie after all.
Don't want to give much more away. The lovely black and white vignettes, following each other quickly give you a taste of life in a squalid part of New York. It is European in execution, a bit film-noir-ish, but unique, entertaining, and touching.
The singing rent collectors are a hoot-!
Don't miss it!
- donnazzass
- Mar 28, 2005
- Permalink
Aldolpho (Steve Buscemi), an aspiring film maker, lives in a battered NYC apartment and relies on his mother to help make the rent. He has a beautiful neighbor named Angelica (Jennifer Beals)who may or may not be married but who Aldolpho would love to star in his movie. When Al unexpectedly gets a financial promise of funding for his film from a strange man named Joe, he thinks he's got it made. That is, until Joe takes Al along on an adventure to steal a Porsche for part of the financial backing. Will the film be made before Aldolpho is completely without a moral backbone? And, will Angelica star in the film? This is, in this viewer's opinion, an awful movie. The script is abysmal, with a plot that wanders willy nilly. Beals practically snarls all of her lines and Buscemi, though likable, is nondescript. There is a good deal of distasteful material and unsavory characters to boot. Finally, the production values are very poor, too, making the film look second rate at all times. If you have time on your hands, it is still a good idea not to take a chance with this movie. But, if you are the proverbial glutton for punishment, go ahead and watch the darn thing. Beals does look beautiful, after all.
What a refreshing movie! Fans of oddball movies should definitely put this on the to-watch list. Aside from a hilarious cameo by Jim Jaramusch and Carol Kane, Steve Buscemi and Seymour Cassell team play the roles of wanna-be filmmaker and questionable money man like they were born to. Shot in glorious black and white, the film makes a half-hearted serious turn at the end but it is too late to really make a difference in the movie. Also watch for Will Patton's turn as yet another bizarre person.
A movie that has cemented itself into my list of top 10 favourite films.
The movie has the whole package - great story, great acting and charismatic characters that you really warm to. I originally saw this movie for one reason -
the greatness that is Steve Buscemi
and let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. The other fantastic actors should also be commended especially Seymour Cassel and Jennifer Beals.
The fact that the copy I own is in black and white is a bonus, with excellent directing and quirky memorable appearances (Stanley Tucci!).
It's a little gem to treasure.
The movie has the whole package - great story, great acting and charismatic characters that you really warm to. I originally saw this movie for one reason -
the greatness that is Steve Buscemi
and let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. The other fantastic actors should also be commended especially Seymour Cassel and Jennifer Beals.
The fact that the copy I own is in black and white is a bonus, with excellent directing and quirky memorable appearances (Stanley Tucci!).
It's a little gem to treasure.
- tigerlynny
- Feb 14, 2006
- Permalink
I remember watching this movie back in the nineties and REwatching it back again now in 2023 I just realised how MAGNIFICENT this picture STILL IS!
The GOOD: this is THE REAL THING!. The photography is OFF THIS PLANET. It's gorgeous. I am not exagerating one bit. Because EVERY scene is like jawdropping GORGEOUS black and white.
MORE GOOD: this picture is FUNNY. And I mean the kind of funny you rarely encounter, where almost every other scene is SO in your face beautiful AND offbeat AND STILL REAL and FUNNY simultaneously!
Oh, this is really one of the most MAGNIFICENT movie classics (that has been completely overlooked and forgotten) of the nineties.
Steve Buscemi is like...comedy heaven. One of his best performances of his carreer. Even more praise for Seymour Cassel, who gives one of the best performances of his lifetime. Also starring the ever lovely and charismatic and shining Jennifer Beals. Actor's paradise!
The heart and soul of this movie is so VISCERAL and ALIVE and god honest GORGEOUS. I am in AWE...
WHAT a movie.
Spread the word. Only 19 reviews for one of the most MAGNIFICENT comedy movies of the nineties. Let's give this movie the credits, the applause it deserves.
BRAVO!
The GOOD: this is THE REAL THING!. The photography is OFF THIS PLANET. It's gorgeous. I am not exagerating one bit. Because EVERY scene is like jawdropping GORGEOUS black and white.
MORE GOOD: this picture is FUNNY. And I mean the kind of funny you rarely encounter, where almost every other scene is SO in your face beautiful AND offbeat AND STILL REAL and FUNNY simultaneously!
Oh, this is really one of the most MAGNIFICENT movie classics (that has been completely overlooked and forgotten) of the nineties.
Steve Buscemi is like...comedy heaven. One of his best performances of his carreer. Even more praise for Seymour Cassel, who gives one of the best performances of his lifetime. Also starring the ever lovely and charismatic and shining Jennifer Beals. Actor's paradise!
The heart and soul of this movie is so VISCERAL and ALIVE and god honest GORGEOUS. I am in AWE...
WHAT a movie.
Spread the word. Only 19 reviews for one of the most MAGNIFICENT comedy movies of the nineties. Let's give this movie the credits, the applause it deserves.
BRAVO!
I really loved this film... I found it refreshing and a real oddball classic.. Seymour Cassell is incredible and Steve Buscemi and Jennifer Beals put in great performance...
The story is unique and the humour might not suit every-one but I certainly enjoyed it. The Use of voice-overs was refreshing and I found myself completely engrossed with Aldolpho
does any-one agree..
I highly recommend.
Can any-one recommend a similar film I might enjoy?
Steve Buscemi=9/10 Seymour Cassell=9/10 Jennifer Beals=7/10
but
Jim Jarmusch=10/10 A truly hilarious cameo
The story is unique and the humour might not suit every-one but I certainly enjoyed it. The Use of voice-overs was refreshing and I found myself completely engrossed with Aldolpho
does any-one agree..
I highly recommend.
Can any-one recommend a similar film I might enjoy?
Steve Buscemi=9/10 Seymour Cassell=9/10 Jennifer Beals=7/10
but
Jim Jarmusch=10/10 A truly hilarious cameo
If you love Jim Jarmusch, Bukowski novels and the music of Tom Waits, you will probably like this. Down and out protagonist dreaming of bigger things. Shot beautifully in black and white. This movie proves that you dont need a big budget to make great cinema. And makes you wonder what happened to the whole entertainment industry in the last 50 years. It seems like success and prosperity kills all greatness. My theory is that it creates a spiritual gap between the haves and te havenots. No matter how rich you get, however many accolades. One man starving means humanity is starving. Every single orphan represents our own moral cowardice. Movies like this remind us to celebrate the madness. All is fair in love and war.
- markus_nylund
- Jan 9, 2023
- Permalink
This is a wonderful film. Quirky, funny, moving it's one of those films which gets under your skin. My skin, anyways. See it if you love Steve Buscemi, Seymour Cassel, Jennifer Beals or great, offbeat movies.
- terrapinhelpgroup
- Sep 10, 2002
- Permalink
Photographed in an inner-city urbanscape, it describes the almost comical struggle of a young actor-director. Some neighbors get involved, and other people found on the way. The story is quite unconventional. Not visually stimulating as a color movie, it yet has unusual picture frames (like the view through a keyhole distorted by lens) that make it most interesting. The facial details of the actors are also the highlight of this motion picture.
Movies about making movies are always fascinating because there is always an element of truth in them. Just look at The Big Picture or The Player. In the Soup is similar in theme but lacking in execution. It's hard to deny that there was potential in In the Soup. The cast is solid (Steve Buscemi has a knack of appearing in films about filmmaking) and the story foundation is ripe for a brilliant satire. Beyond those things, however, there's a virtual vacuum. Excepting a few witty dialogue exchanges and quirky moments, In the Soup is a combination of a meandering script and rootless characters. I can count on one hand the number of scenes that were inventive, engaging, and/or amusing. The script-within-a-script, Unconditional Surrender, is a masterpiece of worthlessness. In the Soup is a case of reality imitating art.
- tracylong-09623
- Feb 7, 2019
- Permalink
I found this on the Kanopy site, streamed online because my public library has a membership.
I watched it mainly because it has a 30-something Steve Buscemi in the lead role, as Aldolpho Rollo. He is an aspiring filmmaker and has written a script but is barely able to make rent and in fact resorts to calling his mother for help. Desperate, he places an ad in the newspaper to sell his script. He ends up getting someone's attention who believes in him and offers to help him make is movie. Plan? Well he hasn't gotten that far yet. How much does he need? How about $250,000 to get started. Not a blink, OK he'll get it.
However all this will require some shady and probably illegal activities, Adolpho doesn't seem to be the brightest bulb in the pack, he is said to be a nebbish, a person who is regarded as pitifully ineffectual, timid, or submissive. As in "He's a nebbish. No money, no prestige, no future".
This is a very unconventional movie and it is shot in black and white, digitally restored, and looks very good.
I watched it mainly because it has a 30-something Steve Buscemi in the lead role, as Aldolpho Rollo. He is an aspiring filmmaker and has written a script but is barely able to make rent and in fact resorts to calling his mother for help. Desperate, he places an ad in the newspaper to sell his script. He ends up getting someone's attention who believes in him and offers to help him make is movie. Plan? Well he hasn't gotten that far yet. How much does he need? How about $250,000 to get started. Not a blink, OK he'll get it.
However all this will require some shady and probably illegal activities, Adolpho doesn't seem to be the brightest bulb in the pack, he is said to be a nebbish, a person who is regarded as pitifully ineffectual, timid, or submissive. As in "He's a nebbish. No money, no prestige, no future".
This is a very unconventional movie and it is shot in black and white, digitally restored, and looks very good.