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This World, Then the Fireworks

Play trailer Poster for This World, Then the Fireworks R 1997 1h 35m Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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38% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 46% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In this film adaptation of a book by novelist Jim Thompson, Marty (Billy Zane) and Carol Lakewood (Gina Gershon) are twins bound together by the horrors they endured as kids. When crooked police officers come after Marty, he is forced to go on the run, leaving his spouse and career behind and hiding out with Carol, who has turned to prostitution. Soon Marty and his sister begin to pull cons together while reigniting the strange, erotic relationship they indulged in as children.
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This World, Then the Fireworks

Critics Reviews

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Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com 08/27/2020
2.5/5
The padded screenplay takes the neo-noir notion of hardboiled and launches it right into a soupy camp stew. Go to Full Review Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 03/24/2016
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 Go to Full Review Adam Lippe Examiner.com 04/16/2012
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. Go to Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 01/08/2007
B
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. Go to Full Review Dragan Antulov rec.arts.movies.reviews 10/21/2003
2/10
Oz eFilmCritic.com 09/26/2002
1/5
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Audience Reviews

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Alain E @AlainE 12/02/2024 This is the equivalent of a graphic novel. Obviously, if we examine the story under a microscope many items are not very plausible. They are here to propel the narrative. The cinematography in terms of angles, colors and framing serve the aims of the director superbly. This has all the elements of a cult movie. See more Bahad j @RT27093708 07/12/2024 This idea of ​​the film shooting technique director made the film more attractive to people. See more 07/04/2013 NOSTALGIA SMOKES CIGARRETES COPS AND DETECTIVES AND IMPOSSIBLE RELATION SHIPS MAKE UP YOUR DECISION FREE WORLD OR BORING LIFETIME! See more 04/25/2012 Out there a bit, ok a lot , but.... I liked it See more 07/17/2010 (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?? See more 09/10/2009 Best movie ever from Gina and Billy See more Read all reviews
This World, Then the Fireworks

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Cast & Crew

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Michael Oblowitz

Director

Billy Zane

Marty Lakewood

Gina Gershon

Carol Lakewood

Sheryl Lee

Lois Archer

Rue McClanahan

Mom Lakewood

Roberta Hanley

Younger Mom Lakewood

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This World, Then the Fireworks

This World, Then the Fireworks (1997) This World, Then the Fireworks (1997) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis In this film adaptation of a book by novelist Jim Thompson, Marty (Billy Zane) and Carol Lakewood (Gina Gershon) are twins bound together by the horrors they endured as kids. When crooked police officers come after Marty, he is forced to go on the run, leaving his spouse and career behind and hiding out with Carol, who has turned to prostitution. Soon Marty and his sister begin to pull cons together while reigniting the strange, erotic relationship they indulged in as children.
Director
Michael Oblowitz
Producer
Brad Wyman, Chris Hanley, Larry Gross
Screenwriter
Jim Thompson, Larry Gross
Distributor
Orion Pictures
Production Co
JVC Entertainment, OneGate Media GmbH, Largo Entertainment
Rating
R
Genre
Crime, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 11, 1997, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 16, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$19.9K
Runtime
1h 35m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital
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