In the end, it becomes clear that the missing ingredient in City of Ghosts is nothing more than some additional directing experience on the part of Dillon.
City of Ghosts (2003)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:66
Fresh:31
Rotten:35
Average Rating:5.5/10
Consensus: Atmospheric, but that's about it.
Theatrical Release:Apr 25, 2003 Limited
Box Office: $275,998
Synopsis:
Jimmy Cremmins (Matt Dillon) has been working as a front man for a bogus insurance company set up by his longtime mentor, Marvin (James Caan). In the aftermath of a disastrous hurricane, claims...
Jimmy Cremmins (Matt Dillon) has been working as a front man for a bogus insurance company set up by his longtime mentor, Marvin (James Caan). In the aftermath of a disastrous hurricane, claims against their fabricated coverage come pouring in. With Marvin living as an expatriate in Southeast Asia, Jimmy is forced to face the subsequent chaos and investigation on his own. He decides instead to flee and re-group with Marvin in Asia, against Marvin's wishes.
After a short stay in Bangkok, Jimmy goes to Cambodia in search of Marvin. During his pursuit he finds himself a stranger in the mysterious and often hostile environs of Southeast Asia. With the aid of the duplicitous Kaspar (Stellan Skarsgård), another of Marvin's business associates, Jimmy eventually finds Marvin, who attempts to convince Jimmy to join him in his latest venture, the development of a large scale casino with a Cambodian ex-general. But Cambodia is another world - one in which the rules are different, a world where violence isn't merely a threat but a reality - and even the savvy Marvin ends up in over his head.
As Jimmy finds himself drawn further down a darkening path of deception, it also becomes his path of self-discovery.
United Artists, Mainline Productions, and Banyan Tree present, in association with Kintop Pictures, the byzantine drama City of Ghosts. The writing/directing debut of actor Matt Dillon, City of Ghosts stars Dillon, James Caan, Natascha McElhone, Gerard Depardieu, and Stellan Skarsgård. Written by Dillon & Barry Gifford, the film was produced by Willi Baer, Michael Cerenzie, and Deepak Nayar with line producer Rony Yakov and co-producers J.B. Meyer & Olivier Granier. The talented production team includes music by Tyler Bates, production design by David Brisbin, editing by Howard E. Smith, and cinematography by Jim Denault.
Starring: Matt Dillon, James Caan, Natascha McElhone, Gerard Depardieu
Starring: Matt Dillon, James Caan, Natascha McElhone, Gerard Depardieu, Stellan Skarsgaard, Shawn Andrews
Director: Matt Dillon
Director: Matt Dillon
Screenwriter: Barry Gifford, Matt Dillon
Producer: Willi Baer, Michael Cerenzie, Deepak Nayar
Composer: Tyler Bates
Studio: MGM/UA
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Reviews for City of Ghosts
City of Ghosts dons a facade of independent filmmaking, but the core screams Hollywood rehash.
It's the only film in which James Caan attempts karaoke in Cambodian. You'll want to plan your bathroom break for that scene.
City of Ghosts doesn't quite work, but it has its moments, and some of them just may be worth the price of admission.
Though he has evolved beyond his star peak, [Dillon] remains a strong actor and is a gifted director.
Fortunately, Dillon was smart enough to hire one of our best living crime authors Barry Gifford to co-write the screenplay.
Trades more effectively in states of alienated atmospheric delirium than it does the specific mechanics of plot.
Dillon doesn't quite pull it off, but you've got to admire the guy's chutzpah.
The story never feels as if it manages to climb free of the thick atmosphere -- that the film so easily and proficiently exudes -- and stand on its own.
A hyper-real portrait of life -- a vision as experienced during an adrenaline rush.
Goes a good way toward reinvigorating a forgotten genre, fashioning a movie world that's not quite real, but not strewn with slam-bam car chases and meaningless intrigue, either.
Despite setting a nicely taut and tense mood throughout this psychological thriller, Dillon ultimately fails with the story.
It's the usual murky affair, which has the unfortunate side-effect of pulling Dillon's direction down into the mire.
It's an actor's film, all right -- peppered with rich supporting performances but unconvincing in the telling.
I didn't believe in James Caan's cons, but I believed him, and at times like that it's helpful to stop keeping score and live in the moment.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 82% 82% | Paranormal Activity |
| 57% 57% | 9 |
| 44% 44% | Jennifer's Body |
| 58% 58% | A Perfect Getaway |
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