Reviewed by Melissa Garza
“Suspect: well that’s somebody who killed somebody until of course they can prove that they didn’t. Suspect.” – Special Agent Skinner (Mel Gibson)
Like many of the films I find myself drawn to, “The Million Dollar Hotel” is not for everyone. It’s quirky, it’s odd, it’s fun, and if you look hard enough there’s even a plot attached.
The movie opens when a resident of the very weird hotel flies off of a building. Poor Izzy (Tim Roth) was the son of a rich man and dies upon impact. The question remains whether he jumped or was pushed. Was it suicide or murder? The man sent to answer that question is Special Agent Skinner (Mel Gibson).
The task is a far from an easy one. See, the people staying at “The Million Dollar Hotel,” are as strange as they come. Skinner first encounters our narrator, Tom Tom (Jeremy Davies). Tom Tom is immature, sweet and attracted to anything that adds excitement to his existence. When Skinner tells him that he’s a suspect, Tom Tom hugs and thanks him. Beyond and above all of that, Tom Tom is a shy romantic who fawns over his lady love Eloise (Milla Jovovich).
Eloise like the rest of the clan at the hotel is not conventional. She says almost nothing and seems fragile. Tom Tom remarks on this in poignant fashion when he states that he wanted to protect her but Izzy had once told him, not to worry. “No one can hurt her. She’s not even there.”
When Skinner investigates Izzy’s room, he finds Geronimo (Jimmy Smits). Geronimo is a Native American artist who has a serious distaste for police though he enjoys media attention. He follows Skinner around and alerts the other tenants. He finally loses control when his paintings are advertised on the news as Izzy’s. There he declares that God must be white. Soon however, when a note is found from Izzy stating that he bequeathed all of his possessions to the artist, Geronimo realizes he can earn millions by passing off his art as the dead man’s. He enlists the help of the odd tenants. Meanwhile, they team up in one other endeavor. They want to keep Skinner at bay. They don’t trust him. Not that they should, he preoccupies his time with bugging the hotel. He attempts to play them, and because of his nature he does have the ability to relate. He’s a jerk, but a lovable jerk. Even as he threatens arson, he never loses his charm. All in all, he isn’t an awful guy. He is simply on a mission.
It is the sheer type of wit and humor that make “The Million Dollar Hotel” so enjoyable. In one scene, Skinner who is odd in his own right states, “this place is a nut house.” For those with an offbeat sense and for those who will appreciate this film, there are two distinct contrasting reasons why this is hilarious. One is that he is right on the mark and anyone can understand why he’d make that remark. The people are crazy! The other and more significant, is if that same viewer ever met someone like Skinner on the street, they would classify him as something of a nut job, himself. The fact that he views the place as insane, adds emphasis to the level of lunacy that lives within the confines.
Skinner becomes frustrated fairly early on and pulls the fire alarm which causes the sprinklers to go off and the hotel to become flooded. Everyone meets in the hall, as the Special Agent declares that he knows one of them is a killer and will not rest until he finds out who. There are so many great quotes and amazing dialogue that it is extremely difficult not to transcribe the entire movie, but especially this one scene with Skinner. It is truly an amazing scene where everyone, even the residents that the audience doesn’t get to know well, capture attention. The acting is so great because each person understands their character and brings it out for the camera to show.
Every single character, and there are many of them, add so much to the production. Every second is well thought out and every moment is significant in its own bizarre irrelevant way. Admittedly, there are many scenes that are not critical for plot development or the course that the movie appears to be going, but it always concludes with a worthwhile purpose. Sometimes it is for character development and others to make a statement. And there are a few statements, but all delivered in a hilarious way.
This is a whodunit like none before it. If one forced a comparison it would find a home between the movie “Clue” and anything by David Lynch. It’s smart, effective, and keeps a wonderful pace throughout. The acting is sensational and the casting could not be better. For those who like to step outside of the expected, this is a breath of fresh air.
Jeremy Davies who portrayed Charles Manson in the updated version of “Helter Skelter” shows his range and depth as Tom Tom. Likewise, Jimmy Smits is wonderful as Geronimo and brings a sense of humor that lightens moments that otherwise may have been too dark.
Bud Cort is no stranger to peculiar pieces. He shined in both the the cult classic “Harold and Maude”and the highly revered Wes Anderson’s film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” In his small role here, he depicts a drunk with a superiority complex and adds much to the mix.
Another performance worth noting is Peter Stormare’s. He portrays Dixie, who believes he was the fifth Beatle. He’s hilarious and the scene where Skinner initially questions him is one of the best in the movie. That says a lot, for a production as great as this one.
Without question, Mel Gibson fits the role of Skinner magnificently. He steals every scene he is in and brings such a satirical level of toughness that one cannot help but smile when he’s on camera. His dialogue is beyond wonderful and he delivers the lines brilliantly, not that one would expect anything less. It makes one long for the days when Mel Gibson was in front of the camera rather than behind it.
The conclusion is fitting and sticks with the overall tone. For those who enjoy the movie, it will seem as though it ended too quickly. One would be inclined to think of how great the film would be if made into a regular show. The characters are too great to let go of and the movie in its own strange way is perfect, but in the days of reality television and low attention spans, it would be a shocker if it lasted beyond a season. Still, it would be a memorable year.
It is a struggle and a stretch to say this is a cult film. It is actually very difficult to categorize it as anything. Some have placed it under ‘thriller’ or ‘mystery’ but that really is a disingenuous description of a movie that is strictly character driven. The only way to label it is to say those who get it will deem it brilliant and those who don’t will view it as a waste of time.
Worth noting is that U2 front man Bono had written the film and therefore provided an excellent soundtrack. He also has a cameo appearance in traditional Bono garb. I like Bono.
Overall Rating: 9.5/10 I miss Mel Gibson
Finally someone who loves this movie too! Perhaps it is just too offbeat for most, but it is one of mine and my husband’s absolute favorites. The cast is great and it makes me miss Gibson in front of the cameras as well.
I agree. I think most people haven’t given it a chance but it’s fantastic and it does show that Gibson has more to him than the funny action star. I love this movie.