MIAMI BLUES

US, 1990, 97 minutes, Colour.
Alec Baldwin, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Fred Ward, Charles Napier, Shirley Stoler.
Directed by George Armitage.

Miami Blues is an action film set in southern Florida. It is in the vein and characters of the novels by Elmore Leonard set in this milieu.

Alec Baldwin is very strong in the central role as an ex-convict, high on his own reputation, who when he gets out of prison goes on a crime spree. It is a role full of swagger. At the beginning of the film, he breaks the finger of a Hare Krishna devotee in the airport – and the film goes on from there. He teams up with a prostitute, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh – a follower type without too many brains. His opposite number is Fred Ward as an ageing local policeman.

The film is strong in colourful atmosphere, sardonic characterisation, absurd comic situations – but all coming together quite well for this kind of genre. It was written and directed by George Armitage who directed a number of films including Vigilante Force but was successful in his two films of the 1990s, Miami Blues and Grosse Pointe Blank.

1. The title, expectations, the Florida settings, Miami, the blues – and difficult times? The irony?

2. The authentic Miami atmosphere, the blend of glamour, quiet, action, crime, police investigation? The musical score?

3. The film as a crime spree film – using the conventions of the almost sympathetic central character? A police action thriller?

4. Alec Baldwin as Junior, his appearance, screen presence? On the plane, his external charm, the confrontation with the Hare Krishna man, breaking his finger – and his dying? The suitcase and the child? The hotel, friends, the particular type?

5. Junior and the possibility of change or not? His hiring Susie? Selling the dress, the relationship with her? Her submissive attitude? The sexual liaison? Going out together, the meals – even with Sergeant Mosely? Marriage, his criminal activities? The house, the robberies, the police, shooting the opponents in the knees? The spree of stealing, the hold-ups? The headlines?

6. The contrast with Moseley, his work, staff, age, teeth? Henderson as his assistant? Hair? The women? The Hare Krishna death? The jokes, the encounter with Junior? The visit, his techniques? The meal, with Susie, recipes? The attack, the stealing? Hospital? Getting information? Following Susie, meeting her, the truth? Following Junior? The chase, the shootout? The change – as evidenced by the teeth?

7. Junior’s ego, callous attitude? Treatment of Susie? The lies, the vinegar pie, the robberies, stealing and his vicious behaviour? Death?

8. Susie and her background, study, poetry, as a prostitute? Her questions, the dress, accepting Junior, loving him? Submitting? Enjoying his company, the food and the recipes, the house, meals? The promises? Moseley and the vinegar pie? Stealing, locking the door – and experiencing Junior ‘for real’?

9. The Miami police force, their work, personnel, detail? Corrupt police?

10. The action in the centre of Miami, the shops, restaurants? Dramatic action and stunts?

11. The popularity of this kind of police action thriller – and its serio-comic style?