Plot: The Counselor (Michael Fassbender) is funding his first drug deal with associates Reiner (Javier Bardem) and Westray (Brad Pitt). The Counselor is feeling good, so he buys a big diamond engagement ring for girlfriend Laura (Penelope Cruz.) Reiner's mysterious girlfriend Malkina (Cameron Diaz) is a fem fatale with two pet Cheetahs, underworld friends, and a car-load of sexual energy. Someone intercepts their drug shipment and the funders worry for their lives. [imdb] [photos]
Misogyny is the hatred of women, and there is a big dose of it. From the opening oral sex scene, to Cameron Diaz's bizarre car sex scene, to the closing confessional about how killing provides a woman sexual gratification, writer McCarthy piles it on.
I like most of the performances especially Javier Bardem and Cameron Diaz. Michael Fassbender provides a everyman character that we can identify with -- he underacts at the beginning, but gets more emotive as his life crumbles.
Aside from the misogyny, the writing tends toward the wordy and philosophical -- I adjusted my expectations toward a slower paced movie, and went with it.
The photography is wonderful. The set design is cool and lush. There are a few good Spanish songs, but no soundtrack has been issued.
I like most of the performances especially Javier Bardem and Cameron Diaz. Michael Fassbender provides a everyman character that we can identify with -- he underacts at the beginning, but gets more emotive as his life crumbles.
Aside from the misogyny, the writing tends toward the wordy and philosophical -- I adjusted my expectations toward a slower paced movie, and went with it.
The photography is wonderful. The set design is cool and lush. There are a few good Spanish songs, but no soundtrack has been issued.
