Bullet Points: Fatale
Deon Taylor is fast becoming one of my favorite filmmakers. Naturally, I wanted to see his latest film, Fatale. It is coming only to a theater near you on December 18th. Fortunately, I got an early look, and I’m here to give you the scoop.
- What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas: The plot for Fatale seems fairly simple at the beginning: Derrick (Michael Ealy), a sports agent with potential marriage problems, meets a mysterious woman (Hilary Swank) at a bar in Vegas. One drink leads to ten and the couple has a steamy one-night stand. After the night of forbidden passion, Derrick goes back to his life, and realizes he wants to be with his wife (Damaris Lewis). However, after a home invasion gone wrong, Derrick finds out the mysterious woman in Vegas is actually an LAPD detective assigned to his home invasion case. Derrick’s life is turned upside down, and he soon finds himself playing a game of cat and mouse with the detective with an agenda of her own. Fatale also stars Mike Colter, Danny Pino and Tyrin Turner. It is directed by Deon Taylor. It is written by David Loughery. Fatale, a Hidden Empire Film Group production is presented by Lionsgate.
- I Love LA: The cinematography is on point. The entire film is shot in Los Angeles, California. The beaches, the freeways and the hillsides are all captured to perfection. Dante Spinotti has such a great eye. He has been the director of photography on films such as Heat, L.A. Confidential, and The Last of the Mohicans. The team of Deon Taylor and Dante Spinotti make Fatale a very well made production with an eye for detail. I hope these two make many more films together.
- Femme Fatale: Hilary Swank’s Detective Valerie Quinlan is a complex character. You are not quite sure what she’s capable of doing. You have just enough doubt in your mind to not figure out what is going on before it is too late. Hilary Swank has won multiple Oscars. She is a great actress. If you buy into her character, I believe your enjoyment factor will only rise. Also, I think you must buy into the chemistry between Ealy and Swank. If you do, you’re going to have so much fun watching.
- Ealy as the Lead: Fatale’s focus is Michael Ealy’s Derrick. This character goes to Hell and back. What can possibly go wrong for him, will go wrong for him. I like Ealy a lot as an actor. He’s underrated and under appreciated.
- Wrapping it Up: Fatale might get compared to Fatal Attraction or Body Heat. It does have a certain vibe to it that makes you think of those famous films. Fatale is entertaining, and it is never boring. Fatale is an exciting rollercoaster of a thrill ride. Check it out!
Bonus Bullet Points…
- Favorite Name of a Character in the Film: Bumpy played by Compton Menace.
- Favorite Quote: “I gotta fuck it out of you” said by Derrick to Valerie.
- Rating: 3.5 Stars
