Uma Thurman and Samuel L Jackson didn’t share any screen time in Pulp Fiction (though their paths crossed briefly in Kill Bill Vol 2) so this comic thriller can take credit for turning the Tarantino twosome into a double-act for the first time. Thurman plays Patrice, a highly strung, Adderall-snorting Manhattan gallery owner whose acquisitions haven’t exactly set the art world alight. Enter Gordon (Jackson), a Brooklyn bialy baker and underworld stooge who proposes funnelling mob money through her books as supposed payment for artworks.
Reggie, a local criminal played by Joe Manganiello, creates fake works of art under the name “the Bagman” as he murders his enemies with carrier bags. To his surprise, his paintings become a hit in New York, earning him a lot of money and angering the mafia who hired him. The chaos of Reggie’s unexpected success is reminiscent of The Producers and there is a touch of Bullets Over Broadway in the idea of a rough individual with a secret talent for art. However, Nicol Paone’s uninspired direction and Jonathan Jacobson’s uninteresting screenplay result in a lackluster performance from the cast.
Thurman and Jackson have a strong bond and enjoy each other’s presence. Thurman is particularly skilled at using humor to cope with difficult situations, as seen when she confronts two thugs outside her gallery. One of them compliments her gallery, to which she responds with sarcasm, finishing their sentence with an eye roll. She is not afraid of threats, but she can’t stand boredom.
Maya Hawke, daughter of Thurman in real life, gives an entertaining performance as an angry artist. However, Manganiello’s lack of charm tends to make the scenes less lively. It would have been better if Matthew Maher, who brought great energy to Funny Pages last year, had played Reggie. He makes a brief appearance here as Patrice’s nerdy drug dealer. Despite this, The Rebel starring Tony Hancock still reigns supreme in terms of art-world satire and genuine laughter.
Source: theguardian.com
