Get Shorty (1995)
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito
Primary genre: Gangster
Secondary genre: Comedy
In the 90s, director-of-photography-turned-director Barry Sonnenfeld was riding a wave of success with “The Addams Family” (1991) and “Men in Black” (1997). Midway through this vibrant decade, he sought to adapt a novel from Elmore Leonard resulting in “Get Shorty”. Filled with several industry jokes and pop culture references, it is exactly the type of film that caters to Hollywood’s ego meticulously and sharply poking fun at the idiosyncrasies of making a movie with all the creative differences and the quest to secure star power and funds. In addition, the inclusion of a gangster shade gives “Get Shorty” an intriguing spin which separates it from other genre entries.
Sonnenfeld captures accurately the glamour, the blitz and the … absurdity of the 90s Miami and LA using real locations poking under enthusiastic satire and necessary charm his own industry. Lighthearted, the story involves several players of the motion picture business rubbing deliciously against each other echoing “Pulp Fiction” (1994) vibes (and dialogue) which smashed the establishment a year earlier. Mafia, limo companies, drug dealers, loan sharks, directors, and actors all converge towards hilarious misunderstandings and idiotic decisions that play flexibly with typical crime flick tropes.
“I told ‘em I was you, I acted real stupid and they believed me.”
The biggest ace of “Get Shorty” though is its stellar cast. John Travolta delivers a career-peak performance as the sassy enforcer Chili Palmer, an avid cinephile, rightfully earning the 1995 Golden Globe. Others play against type - Gene Hackman as a washed-up producer is a stroke of genius in a world where people think that Danny DeVito is the ultimate sex and acting symbol and Dennis Farina as Ray “Bones” steals the show with his expletive-filled dialogue and spot comedic delivery (“To the fucking airport!“).
Although this eccentric parade of quirky characters echoes Tarantino’s style (you can see why the motormouth director himself did adapt one of Leonard’s novels for the big screen later on with “Jackie Brown” (1997)), you could say it’s an honest and charming homage which does not feel exploitative or edgy just for the sake of it. Its witty verbal counterpoints are utterly enjoyable muttered by the right amount of on-screen panache and every time there are some feuds that might go on, you are hooked into verbose exchanges with a delightful glee on your face.
The feel-good soundtrack acts as a character in itself and Sonnenfeld maintains a brisk pace keeping viewers happy despite occasional doses of dark humor. “Get Shorty” does not break new ground but for its story, it does not have to. It might be a natural biproduct of Tarantino’s ascend to director godhood, yet it employs his trademarks respectfully and tastefully. Led by an ultra-savvy Travolta, Get Shorty stands as one of the all-time great crime comedies, thanks to its sharp wit and clever satire.
Witty, sharp and charming 90s comedy
+Brilliant cast
+Travolta, Hackman, Farina!
+Lighthearted
+Sharp satire and wit
+Convergence of players and ideas
+Groovy and cool soundtrack
+Charming Tarantinian clone
-Black humor
-No new ground