Audience Member
A strange retelling of TAXI DRIVER with an obviously DeNiro-influenced lead actor who tries to save a teenage prostitute. This odd indy movie that came from obscurity and disappeared back into it (altho' apparently was nominated at Sundance for best drama), but there are some recognizable faces: the dad from 16 CANDLES (as a pedophile!), Mallory from 'Family Ties', and that guy from 'Seinfeld' who caught George Costanza double-dipping. Sad & violent w/ a good score, but very low-budget. Not that good by any means, but has some effective sequences. Worthwhile if you're a TAXI DRIVER freak like I am. Oh yeah, another strange TD-inspired movie is YOU TALKIN' TO ME from 1987.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
02/11/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A film that's unknown by most. Disgusting, sad, and vile disturbing movie. Do not watch this one if you are easily offended.
"As each relentless night turns towards day, Ernest Rackman turns towards violence to escape thoughts of loneliness and suicide. Then he poses as a police officer and rescues a young girl from her parent's apartment, where she was forced into a compromising life. Having discharged his violence, he plans to move forward with this new relationship, but the demons of loneliness and despair still haunt him."
This film definitely takes a lot from Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver, only this time our main hero(who's hooked on drugs 24/7), is trying to save a young girl from the dangers of child pornography/snuff films. Ernest Rakman, played by Michael Wyle, sure does know how to play a double of Robert De Niro's character in Taxi Driver very well. I kind of think of Ernest Rackman as an evil, and more sadistic twin brother of Travis Bickle(from Taxi Driver). As much as God's Lonely Man takes from Taxi Driver, it still stands out as a good film on it's own.
The violence in this film is extreme as well, and toward the end it becomes very bloody. There's one part in this when they show glimpses of a child snuff film, and let me tell you, it is a nerve wracking and in your face raw experience. It's also followed by a massacre that will leave you stunned and speechless. This is by no means an easy film to swallow. The subject matter is harsh and it's followed by extremely nauseating dialogue. God's Lonely Man shows us the real horror that is out walking the streets, and reminds us that stuff like this is indeed happening.
Nothing in this film becomes hard to believe and everything plays off very realistically, thanks to some very good acting. We have already seen this kind of character development before, especially in Taxi Driver, but God's Lonely Man shows us a similar hero doing something more, in a completely different situation. No matter how messed up on drugs and crazy Ernest Rakman was we need more people like him in the world. Maybe then children would be safer, but who knows?
This film pushes the limits, even for an NC-17 rating(which it had received). As violent and disturbing as it is, I still do recommend this movie. We should all at times be reminded again and become more aware of what's going on out there(in this case being the danger of young children). But then again, if you are seriously easily offended...don't watch it.
Other Review:
"In 'God's Lonely Man' Frank von Zerneck Jr. has crafted a film with all the simplicity, beauty and elegant stealth of an adder. A lethal tale stripped to its primal elements, there is nothing about it that does not either hypnotize, sting or transport with strange beauty and chilling, corrosive terror. That it is a first film only makes it all the more stunning."
- WES CRAVEN
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Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/06/23
Full Review
Audience Member
An outstanding & powerful directorial debut for the talented Frank von Zerneck Jr. in many ways is far superior (acting wise and unshowy) to the overrated & cold TAXI DRIVER. Sad & depressing yes, but unlike Robert DeNiro's sick Travis Bickle TD character, you sympathize more with Ernest Rackman's hopeless downfall in existence & feel his pain, a real character. Great movie! Powerful acting by Michael Wyle, Heather McComb, Roxana Zal & Paul Dooley. Amazing score by James Fearnley.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/10/23
Full Review
Audience Member
La pelicula mas depresiva jamás filmada, no la vean si tienen un cuchillo cerca.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
02/18/23
Full Review
Audience Member
A strange retelling of TAXI DRIVER with an obviously DeNiro-influenced lead actor who tries to save a teenage prostitute. This odd indy movie that came from obscurity and disappeared back into it (altho' apparently was nominated at Sundance for best drama), but there are some recognizable faces: the dad from 16 CANDLES (as a pedophile!), Mallory from 'Family Ties', and that guy from 'Seinfeld' who caught George Costanza double-dipping. Sad & violent w/ a good score, but very low-budget. Not that good by any means, but has some effective sequences. Worthwhile if you're a TAXI DRIVER freak like I am. Oh yeah, another strange TD-inspired movie is YOU TALKIN' TO ME from 1987.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
01/21/23
Full Review
Audience Member
havent seen this for years! what i remember was a pretty crazy movie. focusses on drugs, lonliness, self destruction with a bit of child prostitution and snuff films thrown in for good measure. full on
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/06/23
Full Review
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