Bufallo 66 (1998)

Directed By: Vincent Gallo

Written By: Vincent Gallo

Players: Vincent Gallo, Christina Ricci and Ben Gazzara

Review: What for some reason I would've originally envisioned as a quirky comedy, or a wannabe cool crime caper in the vein of Pulp Fiction, Vincent Gallo's semi-autographical tale comes across as a suprisingly original character study.  Directing, writing, and starring, Gallo also adds his creative talents through the soundtrack, making this comedy/drama effectively his.  Based on its understated focus and brilliance, I cannot imagine that this association is unwelcome. 

Just released from Prison, Billy (Gallo) gradually appears to have a mission to get back his former life in the city of Buffalo.  We discover everything from why he was imprisoned in the first place, what his ultimate plan is, and how truly obsessive a fan his mother (Anjelica Huston) is of the Buffalo Bills.

Right away, we begin to discover the character through all interaction and reaction.  While it may appear as having purely comic intentions, his desperate attempts to find a bathroom moments after becoming a free man showcase desperation, annoyance and negativity he relays in all future instances.  As we proceed not only to this inadvertently causing his meeting (but intentional kidnapping) of Christina Ricci's character, we see our understanding of Billy grow, from his history with his unsympathetic parents, to his seemingly only cherished memories: those of a juvenile bowling champion.  Every happenstance plays into who Billy is, giving us the knowledge to gradually empathize with him more and more, even as he knowingly/unknowingly emulates selfish and narcissistic attitudes ostensibly caused by his parents’ lack of tutelage and respect. 

Keeping a very fine balance between drama and comedy, it can be difficult to decide when to laugh and when to remain silent.  However this is just one of the film's many strengths, along with beautifully stark cinematography and a minimalist and atmospheric score, appropriate for the film's tone and some of its more bizarre showcases (one scene shows Ricci tap-dancing alone in a bowling alley).  The plot may not scream "vitality" or "excitement" at the viewer, but the film's in-depth and concentrated look at this child of Buffalo, NY is more than enough to keep me enthralled.  

Tidbit: Gallo grew up in the house we see Billy's parent living in.  

Drink of Choice:  Buffalo is the home of the original buffalo wing (Anchor Bar, to be precise).  When I eat wings, I normally have a Tecate with lime (maybe two…).  However, the city being the downtrodden and gray locale that it is, here is something harder as an alternative:

Niagra Falls:

• 2 parts vodka  
• 2 parts orange liquer
• 1 part lemon juice
• 1/2 part sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water, boiled)
• 1 splash Ginger Ale