Buffalo ’66 (1998)

Simultaneously self-indulgent and self-eviscerating, Buffalo 66 reminded me of "I'm Thinking of Ending Things," with its awkward and frequently hostile family dinners, magical realism, contemplation of suicide, and couples who should not be together. The directing style is unique and the style choices were eye-catching and clearly highlight Gallo's Italian heritage-inspired sensibilities. Despite hating the main character and how much of an abuser he is, I found myself fascinated, because whatever he did next was unpredictable. Would it be a burst of violence? An urgent, nasty comment? Would he betray his hypocrisy again? A rare display of vulnerability that becomes less rare as the story unfolds? Christina Ricci plays a niad, not an angel. An angel would not display the amount of mischievousness and sexuality Ricci does along with her angelic love and forgiveness.

Artistic compliments aside, Gallo's fascination with incredibly youthful pale blondes who give him nothing but obedience and compliments is deeply disturbing to watch. I don't imagine he'll have much more to offer the world that will be appreciated these days.