Film titles can often be misleading, and one of the better examples is Search and Destroy, directed in 1995 by David Salle. Even the more experienced viewers are probably going to think of some mindless action piece starring people like Van Damme or Dolph Lundgren. But this film is actually a black comedy based on the stage play by Howard Korder. Protagonist is Martin Mirkheim (played by Griffin Dunne), failed businessman who wants to get out of financial trouble by making a movie based on the novel by his favourite motivational guru Dr. Waxling (played by Dennis Hopper). While Waxling is sceptical towards the project, his secretary Marie Davenport (played by Ileanna Douglas) is going to help would-be producer and two of them approach shady businessman Kim Ulander (played by Christopher Walken) who has his own motives to join the scheme.
There are some things in Search and Destroy more misleading than its title. One of them is presence of Martin Scorsese who was involved as executive producer and played small part. Another is presence of many very respected character actors in roles for which they aren't accustomed to. But the film belongs to Christopher Walken, again showing great talent for creepy and bizarre characters, while Ileanna Douglas also makes good job as Griffin Dune's partner. Unfortunately, great cast and interesting subject matter isn't enough to make this film into what was supposed to be - effective satire of 1990s Hollywood and American movie-making in general. The reason for that could be found in rather uninspired script by Michael Almereyda and even less inspired direction by David Salle. Humour is at times flat, and often too direct for the effective satire. However, Walken's performance and couple of bright moments would make Search and Destroy a satisfying experience for all those didn't expect much from this little film.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on August 16th 2002)
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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/54022-search-and-destroy?language=en-US
Critic: AA
