This film is the first directorial effort of Andrzej Sekula, an excellent cinematographer (AMERICAN PSYCHO, OLEANNA, PULP FICTION, RESERVOIR DOGS), but it is difficult to determine what his aim might be in this instance. The viewer is greeted by an indecipherable script, marred by a surfeit of sub-plots. There are fine players in the cast: Rosanna Arquette, Michael Madsen, James Russo; these all require aggressive direction, which is lacking (Russo's performance is particularly embarrassing). Sekula works behind the camera, and virtually each scene features creativity and interesting lighting, all of a piece with his other work. It would seem, however, that his skills are best applied as a contributor to other directors' (Mamet, Tarantino) achievements. This work is an expression of nothing.
Review of Fait Accompli
