In the realm of 1990s cinema, few films have sparked as much intrigue and controversy as Danny Boyle's "A Life Less Ordinary." This movie, a quirky kidnapping romance with a twist of angelic intervention, left audiences and critics alike scratching their heads. With a stellar cast including Ewan McGregor, Cameron Diaz, Holly Hunter, and Delroy Lindo, the film aimed to be Boyle's breakthrough into the mainstream. But was it a success? Or a bizarre misstep? Let's delve into the world of this unique film and explore why it remains a topic of fascination and debate.
A Unique Premise, A Bizzare Angle
At its core, "A Life Less Ordinary" is a kidnapping romance, a familiar trope in cinema. McGregor plays Robert, a janitor who loses his job to a cleaning robot. He then takes it upon himself to kidnap Celine (Diaz), the daughter of his boss (Ian Holm). Their relationship blossoms as they go on the lam, but the real twist comes with the B-plot: angels. Yes, angels. The Almighty Himself is manipulating the couple, with Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo playing heavenly bounty hunters. It's a concept that, on paper, sounds intriguing, but in execution, it falls flat.
The visualization of these angels is where the film stumbles. The archangel Gabriel, played by Dan Hedaya, works in a police office and has a sign on his door, adding a layer of absurdity. The heavenly duo, O'Reilly and Jackson, are on a mission to ignite love on Earth, and they believe Robert and Celine's romance is the key. If they fail, they become fallen angels, trapped on Earth forever. This angle, while creative, feels forced and out of place, leaving viewers confused and critics baffled.
A Style That Divides Opinions
Boyle's style in "A Life Less Ordinary" is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's polished and slick, with a quirky sense of humor. On the other, it's over-the-top and contrived. The film's use of cartoonish conceits, like the heart-shaped lantern in one character's chest, adds to the strangeness. While some viewers found it entertaining, others were turned off by its silliness.
Critics were not kind to the film. Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic, gave it a mere two stars, calling the story "tedious and contrived." He questioned the necessity of the film, stating that it never convinced audiences of its importance. Owen Gleiberman, writing for EW, was even more scathing, giving it an F and describing it as a "film that goes off the rails, zooms over the cliff, and crashes into the canyon, laughing all the way."
A Missed Opportunity, But Not a Total Loss
Despite the critical backlash and box office stumble, "A Life Less Ordinary" did have one thing going for it: its soundtrack. The film's soundtrack, featuring tracks from Beck, R.E.M., and The Prodigy, among others, became a hit. It showcased the film's ability to capture the spirit of the era, even if the movie itself didn't quite hit the mark.
In conclusion, "A Life Less Ordinary" is a film that defies easy categorization. It's a quirky romance with a bizarre twist, a style that divides opinions, and a premise that left audiences and critics alike perplexed. While it may not have been a mainstream success, it remains a fascinating entry in the 1990s cinematic landscape, a testament to the diversity of that era's film industry. Perhaps it's a film that deserves a re-evaluation, one that looks beyond its flaws to uncover the unique ideas it presents. Personally, I think it's a film worth exploring, if only to understand the creative risks taken by filmmakers in the 90s.
