Winter Kills

Rating:
Summary: / Dead On Arrival \
Review: "Winter Kills" is supposed to be a satire on the political thriller film or, as the jacket says, a black comedy. It doesn't succeed. The film moves with a leaden pace between scenes that are, presumably, intended to be either funny or satirical, but that in fact are lethargic and boring. The fault must be laid squarely on the script and the direction. The actors are capable, but their talents are wasted. The producers of the DVD even had the temerity to make it a kind of special edition DVD with an extra bonus disc at a higher price. A waste of time. A waste of money. That about sums it up.

Rating:
Summary: / Dead On Arrival \
Review: "Winter Kills" is supposed to be a satire on the political thriller film or, as the jacket says, a black comedy. It doesn't succeed. The film moves with a leaden pace between scenes that are, presumably, intended to be either funny or satirical, but that in fact are lethargic and boring. The fault must be laid squarely on the script and the direction. The actors are capable, but their talents are wasted. The producers of the DVD even had the temerity to make it a kind of special edition DVD with an extra bonus disc at a higher price. A waste of time. A waste of money. That about sums it up.

Rating:
Summary: TERRIFIC FILM ! But the DVD is WAY OVERPRICED!
Review: First off, "Winter Kills" (the film) deserves 5 STARS. It's a terrific black comedy about (GASP!) a presidential assassination that would make an interesting double-bill with Oliver Stone's "JFK". And like "JFK", the film is packed with cameo appearances by a stellar cast, with John Huston stealing every scene he's in as a randy, Joseph Kennedy, Sr.-type political patriarch. It's based on the novel of the same name by Richard Condon who also wrote "The Manchurian Candidate," and, while not as complex as that novel or film, "Winter Kills" is a must-see for conspiracy buffs with a healthy appreciation for dark, irreverant humor. You'll be hooked through all of the twists and red herrings to the shocking final confrontation which concludes one of the most memorable images in screen history.

The movie was plagued with production problems (even requiring a two-year hiatus to raise money to complete shooting), butchered by its original distributors, who then gave it an aborted theatrical release. In 1983, a VHS tape was released, recut to the director's concept with the original ending restored, and that is the version that appears on this DVD. The transfer is stunning and presented in it's original widescreen 2.35:1 aspect ratio and there's an interesting commentary by first-time feature director, William Richert who also adapted the novel for the screen.

My only problem with this "package" is that its hour or so of extras could easily have fit on one side of one disc, but Anchor Bay has chosen to pad it into two, thus jacking up the price. ... And, frankly, I was expecting more from the featurette, "Who Killed 'Winter Kills'?" THAT fascinating story is crammed into the last ten minutes of this 38-minute mini-documentary and still leaves a lot of questions, none of which are answered in the other two extremely short (less then 10 minutes each) extras, which are just back-slapping, "good-to-see-you-again" empty memory trips. Yes, there are several still galleries, and the screenplay is on DVD-ROM, but, again, all of this could have fit on one disc.

Anchor Bay should be congratulated for bringing this film to DVD, but chided for trying to bleed the consumer out of a few extra bucks. They're NOT The Criterion Collection and, in the future, they should take their cue from MGM who did such a spectaclar job on the Special Edition of "The Usual Suspects". The widescreen and pan&scan versions of the film were on one side, hours of extras were on the reverse (See my review for the details.) and the price was more than reasonable, it was downright cheap for all you were given.

So, at the expense of a great 5-STAR movie, I'm "charging" Anchor Bay two stars for being greedy and giving the package only three.

Rating:
Summary: Paraniod visionary political thriller
Review: One of those 70s films that haunts me (John Huston's Wiseblood is another, there are lots more). This was based on a story by Richard Condon who also wrote The Manchurian Candidiate. A great cast with a very young Jeff Bridges as the lead in this partially based on fact, darkest of comedies, paranoid controversy theoretical waking nightmare of a movie.
Richard Boone, Sterling Hayden, Toshiro Mifune, Liz Taylor, JOHN HUSTON, Anthony Perkins, Ralph Meeker, Eli Wallach, Tomas Milian, many only get a scene or two, some only a scene, but they are all used for all the iconic power they are capable of generating. Not to mention exquisite cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond and an astounding debut for director/actor/etc., William Richert. This film was way too early for it's time, and in the same way Welles' Citizen Kane stepped on the feet of a giant this film also played with the thinly veiled mythology of real people, in this case the Kennedys. The story of why this brilliant film was stillborn upon it's initial release is likely a story worthy of the intrigue and rampant angst that fuels this spectacular film itself; though it's only hinted at in the Who Killed Winter Kills documentary, (that helps to flesh out the second disc disc of this set). I must admit that this all could have fit well onto one disc; but whatever the form, this is a film that is well worth seeking out, and it holds up very well to repeated viewings. It's one of those movies you'll want to turn other people on to. Check it out.

Rating:
Summary: A COMIC CELEBRATION OF PURE PARANOIA
Review: The much anticipated DVD release of WINTER KILLS is a cause for celebration to cult film fanatics everywhere.

Richard Condon's dazzlingly paranoid comic novel about an American president's assassination investigation has been perfectly captured by writer-director William Richert. This little seen film, barely released in 1979 after a torturous, much delayed production, received strong reviews and then disappeared.

There was talk the Kennedy family didn't approve and put pressure on parent company Avco Embassy (which had military contract associations) to withdraw the film, Condon suggested in an article, "Who Killed Winter Kills" for Harper's magazine. Whatever the case -- and the story behind the filming is certainly as interesting as the film story -- this marvelous, all-star thriller about the brother of a murdered president looking into the killing plays with the darkest, almost subconscious fears this country has collectively harbored about the death of JFK.

The once in a lifetime cast includes: Jeff Bridges, John Huston, Sterling Hayden, Richard Boone, Elizabeth Taylor, Eli Wallach, Ralph Meeker, Toshiro Mifune and Belinda Bauer. Plus a great score by Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia). Extras on this two-disc set (seems like it could've all fit easily on one disc) include a lively, sometimes startling, commentary from Richert and OK interviews with Bridges, Bauer, cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and production designer Robert Boyle. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific Paranoia
Review: This is an outstanding movie, full of brutal murder, conscienceless business dealings, hidden mikes and political prostitution. In other words, it's a great comedy of politics and power. Bridges provides the naivete and honesty which holds things together. Huston provides the monstrous laughs. The cameos by such as Stirling Hayden, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Boone and Toshiro Mifune may at first sound like stunts, but they work. Great performances all around. The DVD looks and sounds fine. The three interviews with the director, cast and production crew are insightful, sad and funny. The only caveat I'd have is Huston's advice during the climax. I don't think I'd invest heavily in Brazil.

Rating:
Summary: Expect The Unexpected!....
Review: This review refers to the Anchor Bay(2 disc)DVD edition of "Winter Kills".....

Based on the novel by Richard Condon("Prizzi's Honor"), "Winter Kills" is a somewhat dark comical thriller that seems to parallel the Kennedy Assassination investigation.

The story opens 19 years after the death of President Tim Kegan.The "lone gunman" theory is about to come to an end! A dying man gives his confession to the half brother of the President, Nick Kegan(Jeff Bridges).He was the second gunman hired by some very notorious characters. There's evidence to prove it and Nick decides to go after it.Nick soon finds himself involved deep in a "conspiracy theory" that leads to more deaths and suspects leading to some very surprising twists and turns along the way. Nick doesn't know who he can trust and may now be a target himself.

It's a very enjoyable film for it's neverending unpredictable turns of events that keep you on the edge of your seat. One that is certainly worth pulling out and viewing every so often.Bridges is excellent in the role and the list of Hollywood greats that make appearances as the larger than life and somewhat zaney characters is worth the view alone(even though some may be considered as mere cameos).
John Huston steals the show as the all controlling "Pa Kegan". The list also includes Anthony Perkins, Eli Wallach, Sterling Hayden(as a crazy billionaire war freak),Toshiro Mifune, Ralph Meeker,Dorothy Malone, Belinda Bauer, Richard Boone(sorry... no "Pallidan" music),and Elizabeth Taylor, who only has one line, that is mouthed, but what a line it is! Maurice Jarre supplies the wonderful music and William Richert superbly directs.

This 1979 film looks fabulous on this DVD. A nice clear picture with good color in widescreen(2.35:1). The sound is good in DD2.0(Mono) with all the dialouge, music and background noises clear and distinguishable.There are 2 discs. Disc one contains the film and commentary by the director. Disc 2 has a ton of special features to peruse including, interviews on a feaurette called "Who Killed Winter Kills", a trailer, a still gallery and more(see tech info for complete list).It is also very nicely packaged with the case inside a slip-sleeve. I agree with the other reviewers that the price is a little high, but it's definatly worth the view. You may want to rent it, or put it on your wish list and watch for a reasonably priced used edition.

It's something out of the ordinary with a few chuckles and some great thrills..check it out....Laurie

Rating:
Summary: Expect The Unexpected!....
Review: This review refers to the Anchor Bay(2 disc)DVD edition of "Winter Kills".....

Based on the novel by Richard Condon("Prizzi's Honor"), "Winter Kills" is a somewhat dark comical thriller that seems to parallel the Kennedy Assassination investigation.

The story opens 19 years after the death of President Tim Kegan.The "lone gunman" theory is about to come to an end! A dying man gives his confession to the half brother of the President, Nick Kegan(Jeff Bridges).He was the second gunman hired by some very notorious characters. There's evidence to prove it and Nick decides to go after it.Nick soon finds himself involved deep in a "conspiracy theory" that leads to more deaths and suspects leading to some very surprising twists and turns along the way. Nick doesn't know who he can trust and may now be a target himself.

It's a very enjoyable film for it's neverending unpredictable turns of events that keep you on the edge of your seat. One that is certainly worth pulling out and viewing every so often.Bridges is excellent in the role and the list of Hollywood greats that make appearances as the larger than life and somewhat zaney characters is worth the view alone(even though some may be considered as mere cameos).
John Huston steals the show as the all controlling "Pa Kegan". The list also includes Anthony Perkins, Eli Wallach, Sterling Hayden(as a crazy billionaire war freak),Toshiro Mifune, Ralph Meeker,Dorothy Malone, Belinda Bauer, Richard Boone(sorry... no "Pallidan" music),and Elizabeth Taylor, who only has one line, that is mouthed, but what a line it is! Maurice Jarre supplies the wonderful music and William Richert superbly directs.

This 1979 film looks fabulous on this DVD. A nice clear picture with good color in widescreen(2.35:1). The sound is good in DD2.0(Mono) with all the dialouge, music and background noises clear and distinguishable.There are 2 discs. Disc one contains the film and commentary by the director. Disc 2 has a ton of special features to peruse including, interviews on a feaurette called "Who Killed Winter Kills", a trailer, a still gallery and more(see tech info for complete list).It is also very nicely packaged with the case inside a slip-sleeve. I agree with the other reviewers that the price is a little high, but it's definatly worth the view. You may want to rent it, or put it on your wish list and watch for a reasonably priced used edition.

It's something out of the ordinary with a few chuckles and some great thrills..check it out....Laurie

Rating:
Summary: A DISTURBING SATIRE
Review: Twelve years before Oliver Stone dazzled (or repelled) audiences with "JFK," director William Richert delivered a more potent vision of a political assassination, and the country that fostered the implements of such an act, with his unbelievably radical adaptation of the late Richard Condon's novel.
As surreal as it is plausible, Richert's 1979 movie about a man's search for the truth behind the slaying of his president-brother ranks among the best political thrillers Hollywood ever produced during the conspiracy-happy '70s. As with "The Parallax View," "Executive Action" and other similarly themed films, "Winter Kills" is enthralling entertainment that puts the viewer on the front seat of a rollercoaster ride through an eerie labyrinth of deceit and corruption.
The two-disc DVD version of this neglected gem is way overpriced and could have been included on the reverse side of a single disc but the package does include several extras that complement this wild movie that reflected the public's growing distrust of the government and the people who run it.

Rating:
Summary: A DISTURBING SATIRE
Review: Twelve years before Oliver Stone dazzled (or repelled) audiences with "JFK," director William Richert delivered a more potent vision of a political assassination, and the country that fostered the implements of such an act, with his unbelievably radical adaptation of the late Richard Condon's novel.
As surreal as it is plausible, Richert's 1979 movie about a man's search for the truth behind the slaying of his president-brother ranks among the best political thrillers Hollywood ever produced during the conspiracy-happy '70s. As with "The Parallax View," "Executive Action" and other similarly themed films, "Winter Kills" is enthralling entertainment that puts the viewer on the front seat of a rollercoaster ride through an eerie labyrinth of deceit and corruption.
The two-disc DVD version of this neglected gem is way overpriced and could have been included on the reverse side of a single disc but the package does include several extras that complement this wild movie that reflected the public's growing distrust of the government and the people who run it.