Five Corners (1988)

I love this movie so much

Thanks for the memories!

People are voting emotionally.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

"Five Corners" is a dark comedy about a man (John Turturro) recently released from prison who seeks revenge on the people who caused him to be arrested. They are: the woman (Jodie Foster) he tried to rape; her boyfriend (Todd Graff) and the hero's situation (Tim Robbins), who saved the woman's life, and probably used of a lot of force to detain the rapist (nothing is shown so we have to deduce), since now he's peace-keeper who doesn't trust violence at all after this life changing incidentThis marked as being John Patrick Shanley's first script ever filmed, separated by a few months of the other one that brought him some recognition and the Oscar, the acclaimed "Moonstruck". Never elegant or brilliant like his most successful screenplay, "Five Corners" is something to be seen because Shanley knows how to create good moments one after another with knowledge of cause (he lived similar experiences as the ones showed here), some odd humor and makes you feel interested even when the story goes on a random rampage of sequences and characters that doesn't seem to fit a purpose in the plot - the young kids having a good time all around, including a memorable ride on the top of elevators. They have a purpose actually, but it takes too long to get there.But, like "Moonstruck", he has on his disposal and director Tony Bill, a good ensemble casting (the difference is that most of the actors in this film were relatively unknown at the time of its release while Norman Jewison's film had an stellar casting already famous). Foster and Robbins are fine together, very comfortable in their roles (Tim's best scene involves a small monologue about why he wants to join the Civil Rights Movement); Graff, unforgettable as the comic relief in 99,9% of "The Abyss", is quite annoying as the goofy boyfriend who always seem to ruin the day for everyone. Top quality performance of this comes from the terrorizing psychotic character of Turturro, his coldest and scariest character I've seen since John Shooter in "Secret Window". The drama? Engaging. The suspense? Good with some violent moments, but predictable at many parts (the ending was quite strange though, who could have thought of that happening?). And the comedy? Hardly work I must say. First of all, there's too much randomness included in this, the parts should be put together in a better way and the dialogs should go under a deep construction - that's why the Coen's succeed so much in doing funny and dark tales. OK, not just dialogs, but also in developing believable, sustainable situations. This goes beyond ridiculous when the girl decides to meet the psychopath, completely alone on a park at midnight. Who does that? All in all, presentable, watchable and manageable. A good little flick, probably more known these days because of the cast, which is the main reason why you should see it. 8/10

I am a big fan of John Turturro after seeing him in all the Coen Bros movies. When I had a chance to catch this movie, I was blown away by the great performances. Particularly Turturro's as the neighborhood psycho. If you are the kind of person that can sit down and watch an old "Playhouse 90" episode and marvel at how great the talent was, and what those stars have become over the years, then Five Corners is a "must see". The movie was set in the 60's, so nothing seems dated by todays terms. The cinematography was good at the time it was filmed, although I'm sure the camera angles and lighting would be a little different if it was filmed today. If I find it in the bargain bin, I'll own it.

I was persuaded to watch this film on late-night TV by the cast: Tim Robbins, Jodie Foster and John Turturro, and lots of familiar faces who you're glad to see, even if you don't know their names. Turturro is better in this than in most of his later work. Psycho? or just a stupid, unhappy bully, whose violence seems almost normal in the tough, white, working class neighbourhood which gives the film its title. He is genuinely threatening, mean, short fuse, unpredictable, but a believable rounded character who excites our pity as well as our disgust. Foster and Robbins fit their roles like fingers fit gloves, the period setting - 1964 - is nicely realised, and the script sets up and resolves a series of classic conflicts with some originality and some appealing off-the-wall subplots. Of course, the good end happily and the bad unhappily, but that is fiction, my dear, and that is why I call it a melodrama. If it comes up on the late-night schedules, or you see it in your local video-store, watch it.

Wish I could see this film, but I'm on my 3rd DVD from NetFlix, and the sound is no good on ANY of them. Very frustrating, because they say there is nothing they can do: all the DVDs are purchased directly from Westlake. Long history of customer complaints about the discs being unplayable because of the sound. Darn it!I am tempted to trying buying a copy somewhere, but how will I know that the one I buy isn't bad too? Other people have obviously seen it and not had the problems I have experienced. I checked the Westlake Entertainment website, but they don't even have this film listed. All suggestions will be gratefully received!