Rumble Fish (Special Edition)

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The second of Francis Ford Coppola's films based on the popular juvenile novels of S.E. Hinton (the first being The Outsiders), Rumble Fish split critics into opposite camps: those who admired the film for its heavily stylized indulgence, and those who hated it for the very same reason. Whatever the response, it's clearly the work of a maverick director who isn't afraid to push the limits of his innovative talent. Filmed almost entirely in black and white with an occasional dash of color for symbolic effect, this tale of alienated youth centers on gang leader Rusty James (Matt Dillon) and his band of punk pals. Rusty's got a girlfriend (Diane Lane), an older brother named Motorcycle Boy (Mickey Rourke), and a drunken father (Dennis Hopper) who've all given up trying to straighten him out. He's best at making trouble, and he pursues that skill with an enthusiastic flair that eventually catches up with him. But it's not the whacked-out story here that matters--it's the uninhibited verve of Coppola's visual approach, which includes everything from time-lapse clouds to the kind of smoky streets and alleyways that could only exist in the movies. The supporting cast includes a host of fresh faces who went on to thriving careers, including Nicolas Cage, Christopher Penn, Vincent Spano, Laurence Fishburne, and musician Tom Waits. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Good Movie?.......2007-06-07

After I saw "The Outsiders" I wanted to see another movie directed by Francis Ford Coppola...I really like this movie because of it's powerful meaning. But the thing is, there is alot of cursing and the "making out" isn't exactly that great...lol well it's a good movie but it is rated R and some parts just aren't right for young kids. Other then that, it is a great movie.

A personal fav- for dillon, copeland and waits..........2007-05-18

Someone (coulda' been Copolla, actually) called this movie "Camus for teens," and that pretty accurately describes the intentions of it. The shooting, music, and Artsy techniques are a bit overdone for what is a slight, very vague S.E. Hinton storyline, making the film feel rather over-Angsty and pretentious at times. And Micky Rourke's spaciness, shuffling and "poetic" mumbling wouldn't be confused for Profound by anyone but a 14-year-old. But I was 14-ish when I first saw it, and I loved the hell out of it.
I love Stewart Copeland's score, (got it on CD, still listen to it), always like seeing Matt Dillon, who sold this mush with conviction, still think Diane Lane is the hottest gal ever to hit high school, and Tom Waits as Benny, the counter-guy at the greasy-spoon ("watch the languange, watch the language...") still cracks me up.

Coppola's Most Underated Work.......2007-04-18

"Rumble Fish" (1983) Rated "R" by the MPAA for Adult Situations, Profanity, Brief Nudity, Some Violence, Minor Gore, Brief Drug Use & Underage Alcohol Use. Running Time 1hr&34mn.

"Rumble Fish" just might be Francis Ford Coppola's most overlooked film.

This movie, based on the Susan E. Hinton novel, tells about young street tough Rusty-James (Matt Dillion) who idolizes his older brother known only as 'The Motorcycle Boy' (Mickey Rourke).

Rusty-James longs for the days of rumbles and being a part of a gang. His friends are somewhat reluctant to feel the same way. His girlfriend Patty (Diane Lane) goes to an all-girl prep school. She's supportive of Rusty-James' need for acceptance and wanting to be cool like his estranged brother. "You're better than cool", she reminds him. "You're warm!" That's also a warning. Will Rusty-James heed?

Subtly, this is a film about the failure of the 'American Dream' and making choices, whether right or wrong. After all, Rusty-James' family fell product of the socialization process. They live in the slums, but that may not always have been the case. The boys' alcoholic father, memorably played by Dennis Hopper, was once a well-to-do lawyer earlier in life. What about the enigmatic Motorcycle Boy? Is he truly crazy? Or does he have 'an acute perception' that drives him crazy?

Brilliantly shot in black & white, Stephen H. Burum's cinemaphotography makes "Rumble Fish" feel like something out of a chaotic dream. Everything is surreal, yet relative to each other. Clouds stream by overhead symbolizing the passage of time. Clocks appear throughout the movie suggesting time-is-a-burnin'. The message here is: don't waste the time you do have while you still can. Stewart Copeland's almost all percussion and highly ryhthmic score adds to that effect.

In "Rumble Fish", Coppola skillfully addresses the need to belong, to lead, to have goals, to have vision and warns not to fall deeper into an urban trap. Will Rusty-James discover what it means to step out and become his own identity before it's too late? As The Motorcycle Boy points out, "If you're going to lead people, you need to have somewhere to go."

That's good advice.

give me a break..........2007-01-12

im sure ill here alot from this review but everyone giving this movie 5 stars i dont see how or why.have you people just been introduced to the movie world?this movie is awful between the bad acting and the annoying music playing during talking scenes its flat out frustrating.rusty james brother in this movie acts like a mental case for you peole that havent seen this he dies in the end (i just saved you an hour and a half of your life cause now you wont have to waste it on this crappy movie).between the bad music the bad acting and the plot/storyline going all over the place in this movie its seriously like being on a bad acid trip.what a waste of money and time on this one.ill donate mine to goodwill or the garbage can..not worthy of my movie collection.

Rumble Fish: A Classic Brawler.......2006-11-13

I highly recommend this film. FFC has a rep as a great filmmaker, and his skills are apparent in this picture. If you've ever wondered what makes a great director, see this movie. The acting is so good you don't really notice it. The soundtrack will make you dance. If you haven't seen "The Outsiders," I recommend that film and this as a double feature. If you have seen "The Outsiders," you'll love this movie. It's arty, sad, and powerful. Hope you enjoy it! The soundtrack by Stewart Copeland works wonders on its own.

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