Anyone who is interested in the infamous Wonderland killings (circa. 1981) should take the time to observe, what has to be said, is an exceptional piece of cinematic history.
The manner in which this story evolves (initial shots of John Holmes (Val Kilmer) and his girlfriend (Kate Bosworth)cavorting in extreme Californian sunshine whilst searching for their next high) leads one to believe you are entering a world of hardened(but harmless) drug users. However, the subject matter soon darkens as it emerges that the central character (Holmes) may have partaken of one America's most heinous homicidal crimes of the eighties.
Kilmer gives, yet again, a very convincing performance, ensuring the viewer has a completely subjective experience of how a once very famous porn star could so easily slide into a world of even more depravity and, subsequently, violent crime.
Although his character is intensely dislike-able, you still feel a sense of sadness for a person who basically had reached a point in his life where his only reason for existing was as a hanger on and perpetual drug user.
The supporting cast add to the creation of a very believable set piece, with Kate Bosworth and Lisa Kudrow warranting high praise as his girlfriend and long-suffering wife (respectively).
The culminating scenes may be hard for some to watch but they do add to the intensity of a very honest and, it has to be said, the most realistic depiction of what may have taken place that fateful July night back in '81.
All I can say is, miss this cinematic masterpiece at your peril!
The manner in which this story evolves (initial shots of John Holmes (Val Kilmer) and his girlfriend (Kate Bosworth)cavorting in extreme Californian sunshine whilst searching for their next high) leads one to believe you are entering a world of hardened(but harmless) drug users. However, the subject matter soon darkens as it emerges that the central character (Holmes) may have partaken of one America's most heinous homicidal crimes of the eighties.
Kilmer gives, yet again, a very convincing performance, ensuring the viewer has a completely subjective experience of how a once very famous porn star could so easily slide into a world of even more depravity and, subsequently, violent crime.
Although his character is intensely dislike-able, you still feel a sense of sadness for a person who basically had reached a point in his life where his only reason for existing was as a hanger on and perpetual drug user.
The supporting cast add to the creation of a very believable set piece, with Kate Bosworth and Lisa Kudrow warranting high praise as his girlfriend and long-suffering wife (respectively).
The culminating scenes may be hard for some to watch but they do add to the intensity of a very honest and, it has to be said, the most realistic depiction of what may have taken place that fateful July night back in '81.
All I can say is, miss this cinematic masterpiece at your peril!