By: debbie lynn elias
Works by Dan Waters have, for me, vacillated between the “love it” “hate it” extremes. His first at bat, the dark and twisted “Heathers”, became a huge cult classic and set the tone for many Winona Ryder performances to come. Personally, I think “Heathers” should be mandatory viewing for any class on Filmmaking 101. He then stuck to putting pen to paper cranking out some very eclectic and diverse scripting, among them, “Batman Returns”, the hysterically funny and entertaining “Hudson Hawk” (Yes, I admit it. I love this film. Kitchy, comedic and with Bruce Willis. Come on, how could ya not!), and sadly, the oh-shoot-me-now-before-I-endure-another-minute of “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.” But never has he enjoyed the success or following in the past 20 years like he has with “Heathers”; that is until now. Not the best film of the year, and admittedly a bit too long in the tooth, Waters reteams with Ryder for another successful stab at quirky dark sexually provocative comedy with what star Mindy Cohn describes as “Dan Waters love letter to women” – SEX AND DEATH 101. And I’ll say it right now, the main reasons to see this film are not because you are a Waters cultist or a Ryder fan, or because “sexually provocative comedy” stimulates your curiosity or because you love lusting after Simon Baker; no, the two reasons to see this film are Patton Oswald and Mindy Cohn who breathe life and laughter into what, without them, would be a film sitting on the 99 cent rental shelf.
Roderick Blank has it all. Blessed with good looks from birth, Blank is also a successful entrepreneur, having had the novel idea of taking fast food and glamifying it. Sure, we all know it’s two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun, but when it’s served in a high top plastic crystal container from “Swallows”, it’s no longer fast food, it’s fine dining. And it’s that nose for nouvelle fast food that has made Roderick a multi-millionaire affording him all the luxuries life has to offer.
But what if there was something he didn’t have. What if there was something no one had? And so it is that the day before his bachelor party, a list finds its way into his personal e-mail. A list of 101 names. Seemingly meaningless, red lights start flashing when Roderick’s assistant Trixie starts reciting the names. This list isn’t just any list. This is a list of every woman he has ever had sex with….AND every woman he is still going to have sex with. With as much clarity as the packaging at Swallows, Roderick knows what he must do. He must pursue the list. Forget marriage. There’s work to be done. Women to be wooed, won and wowed. And so, despite wise words of warning from his trusted confidante and best friend Trixie, (and with the encouragement of his married male friends) he embarks on what must be the pornographic proliferation of pleasure of every man out there, working his way through “the list”, of course trying out every sexual method and manner known to mankind and then some in the process – including swing sets and fairy wings. Yes, fairy wings.
In the meantime, all around town people are talking about “Death Nell”, a dark gothic woman who plunges male sexual partners into either death or a comatose state. Who is she? Where does she come from? How does she find her victims? Why does she do it? The press are sensationalizing the story. The police are stymied. Yet surprisingly (or not), men aren’t afraid of picking up a one night stand.
But what happens when Roderick gets a conscience? What happens when he meets the girl who says “no”? What happens when he finds out what happens to women on the list? Better yet, what happens when he learns there are other kinds of lists? And what happens when he gets to the 101st name?
Simon Baker cooks up a devilishly adorable, albeit at times annoying, Roderick Blank. Probably best known for his turn as the suave Christian Thompson in “The Devil Wears Prada”, here he brings a cocky, yet vulnerable insecurity to the role of Roderick that gives you the sense that every frat boy whom has never grown up is standing up there on the screen. Definitely a challenge for someone with such polish but as his co-star Mindy Cohn says, “I think he is really one of the most underrated actors; one of the most vulnerable, courageous actors and he’s a hotty. And of course, I’m the only girl in the film he doesn’t sleep with.” And while Trixie may not get to sleep with Roderick, Mindy does have one of the best roles in the film and her career as Roderick’s assistant.
A gifted comedienne and talented actress in her own right, most of you remember Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green on the hit “The Facts of Life”. In what is one of his brightest decisions, although definitely not his first choice, Waters picked Mindy to play Trixie. Going through the audition process, “I was up against three other actresses that you wouldn’t normally put me up against. had to read 4 times for this role. The part was really written for a different kind of actor. Tall, black, gorgeous. But if I just get the opportunity to be in the room, I can deliver.” And boy does she! And being the gracious person that she is, Mindy gives kudos to Baker as, according to Waters, it was “her chemistry with Simon that did it.” Baker was also really pulling for her. As Trixie, Mindy is a gem. Loyal, hard working, devoted friend and confidante, roll on the floor laugh out loud funny, and a mouth like a truck driver. I love this character!
Winona Ryder is always a one trick pony – dark, twisted and mysterious – but then she pulls the rug out from under you and zaps you with childlike innocence and joy. That is her mantra, her calling card. But she is superb at it and here as Death Nell aka Gillian de Raisx is no exception. Glamorous and goth, as Nell/Gillian she oozes sexuality and seriocomic stature.
Patton Oswald hits us right between the eyes with his own patented brand of comedy as Fred. A member of the all-knowing triumvirate along with Alpha and Beta, he knows all about “the list” and has his own theories on what Roderick should be doing and how. Between Oswald and Cohn I don’t know who’s funnier, but what I do know is that these two steal every scene each is in and I am saddened that Waters didn’t have them share scenes together. Although as he explains it, “I thought about it. But I was afraid the two of them together were more than the audience could handle.”
Written and directed by Waters, the premise is fantastic. Innovative and enticing, the story starts off with a Black Dahlia feeling with Death Nell. Then toss in Roderick and his storyline and you sense a real winning combination. Then add in all of Roderick’s sexual encounters from Waters’ very fertile imagination (and yes, there is a swing set which is now in Waters’ back yard and yes, there are fairy wings involved which, after a few shots of tequila, found their way onto Simon Baker, a sight which we all get to see) and whoa!!! You’ve got everyone watching. But then pay attention to the dialogue. As described by Cohn, “This s not an independent film that looks at sex in a dark twisted scary way. It’s not a booby movie. It’s not that teen exploitive nudity movie. I love what Dan says, it’s a sexual farce for people who have actually had sex.” It’s a very emotional movie, challenging us to look at sex versus intimacy versus what kind of relationships we have. Roderick and Trixie have the most emotional intimacy in the film and the most endearing relationship. Trixie and Fred have the most fun and joy. But despite the overall good work, Waters does sink into a black hole and in many parts, leaving the script empty and floundering, some underdeveloped characters and unresolved situations, so that it feels as if a Dyson vacuum sucked plot points and funny out of the film. There is also a vacancy when it comes to the character of Death Nell, her background, her identity. Blink your eyes and you miss some critical plot points.
One thing you won’t miss, however, are Julia Caston’s costume creations, particularly those for Death Nell. Gothically glamorous and oozing sensuality, my only question is where can I get them!
Waters never ceases to challenge our perceptions. He did it with “Heathers.” He does it again here. What would you do if you had this list? It’s a titillating notion at first, but then reality hits and questions are raised. Mores are challenged. There’s always something more. It’s not men who have the power in the relationship. It’s the woman. (Yes boys, we will drive you crazy or to death.)
A little bit of love; a lot of laughter and a lot of sex and a lot of….. SEX AND DEATH 101. Mandatory viewing required.
Roderick Blank – Simon Baker Death Nell/Gillian de Raisx – Winona Ryder Trixie – Mindy Cohn Fred – Patton Oswald
Written and directed by Dan Waters. Rated R. (116 min)
