Search - Albino Alligator on DVD

Great cast,great director can only mean great film right?

Miss Gail E Robertson | Scotland | 12/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It was always obvious that Kevin Spacey would only ever assemble a first rate cast for his first movie as director, and he was as discerning with his choice of script as director as he is with his acting jobs. This movie plays like a play and tellingly the best performances come from the stage actors. Gary Sinise delivers a controlled performance that demonstrates the humanity of his character, while William Fichtner manages to carry the bulk of the humour and the horror without going over the top. The script and Spacey's direction keep the tension high despite being confined to one room for much of the movie (think 12 Angry Men - Spacey actually consulted Sidney Lumet for advice).Where the film falls down is in the weak performances of two of the most important characters, played by Matt Dillon and Faye Dunaway. Both performances are one-dimensional and affected (and Dunaway has the complexion of a Barbie doll - plastic). The rest of the cast has little to do but make the most of what they have (especially M. Emmett Walsh).See this movie. There are a lot of worse and more successful movies out there than this one. Quality's very rare these days. So make the most of it."

An intense flick with a hell of a bite

Miss Gail E Robertson | 03/08/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike others, I did not find this movie, confusing or convoluted at all (Dr. Roberts from Austin needs to go back to med school). The film is paced with an unpredictable feel that catapults the viewer into the desperate situation inside Dino's Tavern. Kevin Spacey's direction is the work of a master, capturing a brief but awesome chase scene with chilling results, and sustaining a panick-driven mood throughout the unfolding story. Dillon is in fine form, as is Gary Sinise, the multi-talented thinking man's actor. The creepy William Fichtner plays such a psycho, you'd think he was born for this role. And, yes, Ms. Dunaway delivers another excellent performance. Sounds like the nay-sayers don't like psychological thrillers that are intentionally yet methodically paced in such a style that keeps us guessing and on the edge of our seats."

Could have been worse.

Joel Munyon | Joliet, Illinois - the poohole of America. | 04/17/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The transition from actor to director is not always as easy as it seems. Sometimes it takes years to make the transition, and that is quite apparent with Kevin Spacey's Albino Alligator. Spacey attempts to hit a homerun on his first at bat but ends up getting a solid single instead.

The film deals with a botched heist (not the sort of story-line that is exactly lacking in Hollywood these days) and the relationships between the three main criminals. What we see is the thin lines between loyalty and survival, and the great lengths some will go to ensure their own preservation, even at the expense of those closest to them.

There are moments in intense drama throughout the film, and a climax that you probably won't see coming, but overall, Albino Alligator reminds me of that glass of water in the middle of the night. It's refreshing, but if you weren't so tired and were able to pour a glass of something else, you would. This is lazy-day-watch-it-on-IFC entertainment, not go-out-of-your-way-to-rent-it entertainment."

The Spaceman's Directorial Debut

hoegerbooks | Santa Clara, CA USA | 07/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this DVD purely to hear the feature-length director's commentary by THE MAN himself, Kevin Spacey. I wasn't disappointed. It's like hearing a course on acting, cinematography, and almost every aspect of film-making, plus some amusing stories along the way.What really surprised me was how good the film turned out to be. I was so engrossed with the drama, that I paused the DVD to turn off (egads!) Mr. Spacey's narration to concentrate on the action. It's that good."