Scorchers (1991) Reviews

• Basically a play put on film -

  jrome-42005-03-02

  and once you've accepted that then you are fine. Acting as a curtain between scenes are cuts to a camera zooming over a bayou. That said, this is one of my favourite films. Erotic though it is not. The main topic of the film may be sex but this is more of a psychological exploration than a bit of light porn. If you have rented this film for a night of risqué entertainment then I can see why you might be bored but this would be a problem of marketing more than anything else. The acting is excellent - especially the scenes between Dunaway, Elliot (it was one of his last films), Jones and Tilly. The music is great as well. Of course my family crawled from the bayous themselves so that would explain some of my affection for the film but I still highly recommend that everyone see this at least once just for the scene in the local bar which is brilliant. No explosions or special effects but just some really well crafted dialogue being delivered by some very good actors.

• Worth a first, and second, look

  debra-ward2005-01-26

  This is a wonderful movie that my husband found by accident on a movie channel one night several years ago. He said "I have no idea what I'm watching, but it's great" We both were hooked and have been fans ever since. The movie isn't a conventional anything -- it's hard to categorize, and that may be why it hasn't received the attention it deserves. I'm glad it's finally coming to DVD. Excellent cast portraying odd, but very human and gentle people. Not a love story, but it's certainly about love, and lust and belonging. It also has one of the best father/daughter relationships I've ever seen depicted. Honest even down to the mixed emotions a parent feels when their daughter becomes a grown, sexual person. Funny and warm, its one of the few movies that my husband and I agree on wholeheartedly.

• Most inspiring movie I've seen

  sophia1jg2004-12-28

  I've held Scorchers as my favorite movie since it came out in 1991. I was only 13 at the time of it's release and I have held it dear to me for fourteen years.I adapted the script for the stage as an educational project in 1999 to earn my directing degree. I know every word from every character and I still feel deeply moved and laugh heartily with every screening. The tone and rhythm of the language alone is worth the time. Characters have depth and simplicity, acting is detailed, with subtle moments carefully placed. Direction is fantastic: it's laden with great cinematography and extensive brilliance in regard to honesty, authenticity and commitment. Be ready to experience the hunger of life!

• Unexpected

  chriswarren2005-02-03

  Resembles a stage play. I have only watched it about 15 times in the past few years. The more it is watched, the more it becomes relaxing and comfortable. Unlike the action packed style that we have become used to, this movie does not move at a rapid pace. Very laid back. All of the actors do a fine job. The viewer soon discovers that there is no way to prepare for, and "know" what is going to happen next. After having visited the area, this appears to be based on real people, in real life situations. Answers a few questions that stay in the back of your mind, that you would never ask. Like any work of art, if you don't like it the first time, watch it again. Eventually, it will ease up on you. Like the swamp gator.

• highly recommended

  ndcoder2005-07-21

  This movie really took my wife and I by surprise. It starts with a long session of a talking head. I was immediately turned off by this format. However, I continued to listen and found myself hooked. How many directors or writers can make a talking head not only hold your attention but have me riveted to the screen. We found what I took to be a look at Cajun culture and philosophy to be a beautiful story about love, lust, and family relationships. We now own this DVD and have watched it several times. It is sad to think that this film did not do well at the box office. Most of the our favorite films died at the box office.