The Crow

with Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis
Written by James O’Barr, David J. Schow, John Shirley
Directed by Alex Proyas
by Bob Butman

The Crow is a roller coaster of death and mutilation that’s all in the name of love. The graceful darkness that wears the painted smiles is being portrayed as the ’90s hero of the big screen, but do not be misled; the Crow is an evil, twisted Romeo who evades death in this truly passionate modern-day tragedy.

Once again, Hollywood managed to do more wrong than right. When I learned that the Crow was being made into a movie, I could barely contain myself. I thought for sure that this would probably be the first comic adaptation truest to the book. The Crow was not a superhero. There would be no ridiculous flying scenes. There would be no need for a silly bodybuilder to dress in spandex and try to act. The Crow was just a man who refused to die until his lover’s death was avenged. Simple enough, or so I though.

The Crow was played by the late Brandon Lee who, like too many, is now more famous dead. I’ve read in several places that this is Lee’s best work ever. Well, not to insult the dead or his performance, but it’s not like the man was an award-winning actor or anything. But I must say, he did look and move like a darkened, catlike creature. You actually started to believe that he really was a ghost.

The movie had all the violence and action that anyone could hope for. The story (though drastically altered from the comic) flowed like a rictogram chart with extremely violent action for minutes straight, only to stop and flash back to the quiet, loving times that he shared with his sweet Shelly. This up and down action would normally give you a headache, but in The Crow, it only helps you to learn that being a psychotic avenger is not a stable occupation.

So after going through my “I hate Hollywood” phase, I did what I always do when they turn a comic character into live actions: I thank God they at least tried, and maybe the next time they’ll get it right. I am very grateful that this movie was made, and I give the utmost respect to Brandon’s ultimate sacrifice.