Watch American Perfekt
- R
- 1997
- 1 hr 39 min
-
5.9 (1,558)
American Perfekt is a neo-noir film directed by Paul Chart, released in 1997. The movie revolves around the story of Sandra Thomas (Amanda Plummer), a woman on the run who meets a mysterious man named Santini (Robert Forster) at a highway rest stop. Sandra is a former drug addict and prostitute who has recently been released from prison. Santini, on the other hand, is a former cop turned freelance photographer who's on a road trip across America.
The two develop an instant connection and soon embark on a journey together. Sandra is headed to her sister's wedding in Utah, and Santini offers to give her a ride. However, their journey takes a dark turn when Santini reveals that he's not who he seems to be, and Sandra realizes that he might have an ulterior motive. Along the way, they pick up a hitchhiker named Gus (David Thewlis), who adds another layer to their already complicated situation.
The film explores themes of trust, deception, and redemption. As Sandra and Santini travel together, their pasts catch up with them, and they both have to face their inner demons. There's a constant sense of danger and tension throughout the movie, as it becomes clear that Santini is not the helpful stranger he first appears to be. Sandra is wary of his intentions but finds herself drawn to him nonetheless.
Amanda Plummer delivers a captivating performance as Sandra, portraying her as a complex and flawed character. Robert Forster is equally impressive as Santini, imbuing his character with a sense of menace and charm that keeps the audience guessing. David Thewlis also shines as Gus, providing some much-needed comic relief in an otherwise bleak plot.
The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the vast and desolate landscapes of America's heartland. The road trip becomes a metaphor for Sandra's journey towards self-discovery, as she tries to come to terms with her past and find a way to move forward.
One of the most interesting aspects of American Perfekt is the way it subverts traditional gender roles. Sandra is a woman on the run, but she's not a victim. She's resourceful and resilient, able to hold her own against the men who try to control her. Santini, on the other hand, is a man who's been failed by the system, driven to extreme measures in order to survive.
Overall, American Perfekt is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores the darker side of human nature. The performances by Plummer, Forster, and Thewlis are all top-notch, and the film's ambiguous ending will leave audiences guessing long after the credits have rolled. If you're a fan of neo-noir cinema or road trip movies with a twist, American Perfekt is definitely worth a watch.
American Perfekt is a 1997 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.