This World, Then the Fireworks

1997

This World, Then the Fireworks (1997)

TOMATOMETER

43%

——

Critic Consensus: No consensus yet.

AUDIENCE SCORE

44%

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Movie Info

Grifters Marty (Billy Zane) and Carol (Gina Gershon) are bad-to-the-bone twins whose devastating physical beauty is only equaled by their intense greed and the depths to which they'll sink to get what they want. Enter their intended prey, the ravishingly beautiful and sultry Lois Archer (Sheryl Lee, Twin Peaks), a repressed lady cop with some powerful needs and prime piece of beachfront property. But Lois is a woman with secrets of her own, and before long, brother and sister discover their would-be foil in nobody's fool. Co-starring Rue McClanahan (The Golden Girls), Will Patton (No Way Out) and Seymour Cassel (Rushmore), this sexy, stylish tale of passion and coldblooded murder is razor sharp film noir with a smooth velvet touch. This searing tales of lust and larceny was based on story by legendary pulp writer Jim Thompson (The Getaway, The Killing).
  • Rating:
    R (for strong violence, sexuality, and language)
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Michael Oblowitz
  • Written By:
    Larry Gross
  • In Theaters:
     limited
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Kino Lorber

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Cast

Billy Zane
as Marty Lakewood
Gina Gershon
as Carol Lakewood
Sheryl Lee
as Lois Archer
Rue McClanahan
as Mrs. Lakewood
Seymour Cassel
as Police Detective Harris
William Hootkins
as Jake Krutz, Private Investigator
Will Patton
as Police Lt. Morgan
Val DeVargas
as Mexican Doctor
Richard Edson
as Joe
Roberta Hanley
as Younger Mom Lakewood
Philip Loch
as Marty Lakewood's Father
Elisabeth Imboden
as Neighbor's Wife
Christian Durango
as Little Marty Lakewood
Sloan Cobb
as Little Carol Lakewood
Robert Pentz
as Lou
Marianna Alacchi
as Glenda
Orson Oblowitz
as Eugene
Willie Cobbs
as Blues Musician
Norman Max Maxwell
as Bar Thug
Matt O'Toole
as Bar Thug
Mert Hatfield
as Bus Driver
Megan Leigh Brown
as Young Carol Lakewood
Tom Keeley
as Cousin Lyle
Christopher Jones
as Young Marty Lakewood
Thad Mace
as Tim
Jonathan Taylor Luthren
as Ben
Stephanie Fisher
as Claire
Mark Jeffrey Miller
as Lloyd
Vincent Schilling
as Patron
David Hillman Curtis
as Patron
Lou Criscuolo
as McCloud
Jeffrey Pillars
as Galloway
Paul Sincoff
as Assistant
John Bennes
as Griffith
Barry Bell
as Barnett Gibons
David Lenthall
as Doctor
Brian Gamble
as Undertaker
Terry Neinhuis
as Minister
Dean Mumford
as Marine Captain Miles Archer
Rick Warner
as Real Estate Guy
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Critic Reviews for This World, Then the Fireworks

All Critics (7)

It's a bizarre relationship, tender and respectful with a suggestively incestuous undercurrent that pulls at the story, like a schizophrenic, drug addled take on Tennessee Williams

Mar 24, 2016 | Full Review…
Seanax.com

Sheryl Lee, as the cop who Billy Zane is scamming and sleeping with gives such a terrible performance that is simultaneously absolutely perfect. She's the most accurate representative of the movie as a whole.

Apr 16, 2012 | Full Review…
Examiner.com

Elegantly stylish, intensely erotic, and slightly perverse, this rendition of Thomson's pulp novel is an art movie that's likely to divide sharply film critics and audiences--go for the ride.

Jan 8, 2007 | Rating: B
EmanuelLevy.Com
View All Critic Reviews (7)

Audience Reviews for This World, Then the Fireworks

(1997 Director: Michael Oblowitz) I enjoyed this movie, though admittedly it was a little difficult to watch two incredibly gorgeous twins (one female, one male) living off their looks in less than moral ways. Oddly enough gorgeous Billy Zane's character met misfortune from his legitimate undercover career, causing him to return home. Rue McClanahan was a bright spot as their mother. In reviewing Ms McClanahan's filmography, I was surprised to learn that I have seen few of her movies. Anyone remember her character in a personal favorite, Starship Troopers??

Teresa S
Teresa S

Super Reviewer

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