Tony Scott Retrospective: “Domino” (2005)

This is probably last “Great” movie Tony Scott made. Not to say his remaining films are bad, because they're not. By “Great” I mean big, bold, loud, and outrageous in the way only Tony Scott could do it (which is why I put “Great” in quotes and capitalized it). In fact, one could say that his style's evolution as a filmmaker was building to this and peaked with “Domino.” Anything more full-throttle would be tremendous overkill. He really gets right to the brink where it's almost unwatchable, but the film can't help to be equal parts charming and mesmerizing in the midst of its grit, bite, and decadence.

The quick cuts, flashes, blurs, and pacing are meant to give the impression of a cocaine binge. To approach telling this story any other way would probably be ineffective. The casting is also very crucial to the film's success and this ensemble is impeccable. It must've been a tough challenge since these characters are so vividly realized and exceptionally unique. On top of that, they need to have the right chemistry to make it work. I'm not just talking about the three principle leads, either. The supporting characters have to fit perfectly into the puzzle as well. Impressively, every actor in every role meets this challenging criteria perfectly.

This must have been a fun movie to make, too. Everybody really shines onscreen, even in the smallest role. Jerry Springer (yes, that Jerry Springer) looks like he's trying to stifle a smile in his brief scene. Christopher Walken seems to be poking fun at himself by pretty much just doing an impression of Christopher Walken. Even more so, Ian Ziering and Brian Austin Green (literally playing themselves) are tremendous good sports in emulating every cynical prejudice the public might have of them. It's also great to see Dabney Coleman back in the type of role his played so perfectly throughout the 80's. And leave to Jacqueline Bisset to provide the anomaly of elegance and class by playing it cool and haughty. Then, just when you thought it couldn't get any crazier, here comes Tom Waits.

Put all this together and it's a recipe for disaster. But, in a good way. It's safe to say no other director could have handled all these ingredients so perfectly. The only drawback is that one has to be in the right mood to watch “Domino,” but that's just because one has to keep up. Otherwise, it will leave the viewer in the dust wondering what happened. Tony Scott's best movies feel like rides and this is by far Mr. Tone's Wildest Ride.