(THE FILM)
By day, Joanna Crane (Kathleen Turner) is a prim workaholic fashion designer. At night she becomes China Blue, a kinky hooker on the streets of Los Angeles. But when she finds herself being followed by a private investigator (John Laughlin) and stalked by a fanatical preacher (a truly over-the-top performance by Anthony Perkins), Joanna's depraved double life threatens to explode. In a world ruled by mad passion and holy obsession, can one woman survive the most dangerous emotion of all?
Annie Potts and Bruce Davison co-star in this landmark adult thriller directed by the inimitable Ken Russell (Tommy, Altered States, Women In Love) that became one of the most controversial films of the decade. Crimes Of Passion is now presented in a razor-sharp new widescreen transfer and features discovered deleted scenes as well as shocking footage of graphic sexuality including the notorious 'night-stick' scene not contained in the original theatrical version.
what can I say?
CRIMES OF PASSION is a film that confuses many people.
It either is known as a film of powerful genius,
or it's known as a horrible piece of crap with some of the worst acting ever seen.
But a lot of that confusion came out of the story behind the film. Director Ken Russell set out originally to make a film that showed sex as power.Stories range that the film was cut anywhere between ten and thirty five minutes and it's possible that these minutes might have had more explanation behind them. Part of the blame lied on the studio, New World who agreed originally to let Russell release what he wanted, but then forced him to cut several sequences.
This version of the DVD contains the most complete version of the film yet. It restores several cuts, including the infamous nightstick rape scene, and that scene is extremely uncomfortable (Both figuratively and literally) but it's a necessary scene because it shows China in the ultimate position of power over a cop, and it shows the aftermath of the event which brings her feelings into question.we have Joanna, who is terrified of caring for anyone. No back-story is given but none seems necessary because we know that a man at some point must have jilted her in her life.
The opposite side of the coin is Grady (John Laughlin) who is the definition of a nice guy. He loves his wife (Annie Potts) and his two children and he is loyal to them at first, but as he slowly begins to realize that the love he used to live for is no longer in his marriage, he too becomes bitter.
A chance meeting introduces him to China Blue, when he is hired to follow Joanna. Her employer fears that she may be selling secrets and Grady takes the assignment because he wants the money to buy his wife a hot tub. He discovers the truth early, and he still continues to follow China Blue, until he gives in and has an incredible evening with her.
The kick is however that Joanna comes out a little bit. She is the one doing the lovemaking, and China Blue is the one collecting the money, and the question remains if she will be able to remove the wig and enjoy a real life with Grady. The nice part is the movie doesn't offer any solution and that is most likely due to Russell who understands that life and love are most often confusing.however centred less on the story and more on the back story which follows Anthony Perkins as a twisted street preacher who lusts after China Blue. He stalks her and tries to offer her salvation, but he is really the one that is severely messed up. His bible bag contains more than a book and his best friend is a large silver unmentionable named Superman.you could see why this film is a masterpiece, and why some people think it is complete trash.
Special features on the disc start with a full-length commentary by Director Ken Russell and Producer Barry Sandler, and it is a interesting commentary that pulls no punches. You get the full dirt here and it makes for another story unto itself.Also included are nine deleted scenes with commentary by Barry Sandler and these add yet another dimension to the story.
it is good to see Finally after years of neglect.Ken Russel's underrated cult classic comes to dvd in it's original uncensored form in The film is a wild wonderful & unique journey on the dangerous side.
This is a incredible energetic disturbing,bluntly honest and very explicit satire on adult relationships.
So if your squeamish and afraid of sexuality.
Then stay away from this film as it doesn't hold back.
Full of style and energy to spare.
It's at times funny,
loud and free and other times subtle and calm.
(((Crimes of Passion )) is excellent.The cast is all terrific including Perkins who completely is one of a kind outdoing even Psycho in terms of sheer quirkiness!
and Kathleen Turner when she is on screen, the film just shines.,
she is gorgeous,
very sexy,
and totally unpredictable throughout, and you will feel for her character, she's somewhat strong, but still vulnerable This is easily the best performance of her career or you could say its her honest performances.
(((Crimes of Passion ))so weird but so good its is so Thought provoking yet so highly entertaining.
Director Ken Russell is able to create colourful characterizations and generate memorable dialogue.
The very 80's score falls perfectly into place in the film
and the ending is among one of the most shocking in cinema history.
A masterpiece in every respect and one of the most under rated films of all time.
