Wild Things (1998)

Director:

John McNaughton

Writer (WGA):

Stephen Peters (written by)

Release Date:

20 March 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Sie würden für ihr Leben gern mit dir spielen ! (No Risk, No Fun)

Plot:

A high school guidance counselor is framed for raping two of his students...or is he?

Plot Keywords:

Bra | Femme Fatale | Attraction | Psychopath | Gothic

Awards:

2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

Matt Dillon	...	Sam Lombardo
Kevin Bacon	...	Sgt. Ray Duquette
Neve Campbell	...	Suzie Marie Toller
Theresa Russell	...	Sandra Van Ryan
Denise Richards	...	Kelly Lanier Van Ryan
Daphne Rubin-Vega	...	Det. Gloria Perez
Robert Wagner	...	Tom Baxter
Bill Murray	...	Kenneth Bowden
Carrie Snodgress	...	Ruby
Jeff Perry	...	District Attorney Bryce Hunter
Cory Pendergast	...	Jimmy 'Jimbo' Leach
Marc Macaulay	...	Walter
Toi Svane Stepp	...	Nicole Beach (as Toi Svane)
Dennis Neal	...	Art Maddox
Eduardo Yáñez	...	Frankie Condo

Also Known As:

Sex Crimes (USA) (working title)
wildthings (USA) (video box title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality, nudity, language and some violence.

Runtime:

108 min | USA:115 min (unrated version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

New Zealand:R18 | Iceland:16 | Philippines:R-18 | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Belgium:KNT | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14A (Alberta/Ontario) | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:18A (British Columbia/Manitoba) | Chile:18 | Finland:K-16 | France:U | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:III | Mexico:C | Netherlands:16 | Norway:15 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:PG (cut) | South Korea:18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:11 | UK:18 | USA:R (original rating) | USA:Unrated (extended version)

Filming Locations:

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park - 1200 S. Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, Florida, USA

Company:

Mandalay Entertainment

Trivia:

Before the filming of an outdoor scene by the river, a gaffer was fixing the lights and noticed something floating by in the river. It was a dead body. The police were called and when they arrived, they anchored it to the dock, out of sight of the camera. They removed it after the scene was shot.

Goofs:

Continuity: Sam writes the words "Sex Crimes" on the chalkboard, but the next shot has it written in smaller letters. The number of underlines also changes. Actually there are four different layouts of this text between cuts.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Kelly Van Ryan: Fuck off!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Best! Movies! Ever!: Sex Scenes (#1.5)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Semi-Charmed Life

Well-Executed, Well Acted, Interesting Story

Based on the trailers, I expected this to be a low-budget, B-movie that showed off the anatomies of pretty girls - not that that is entirely bad - but I do expect more from a movie.

In actuality, this is a very, very good plot that is executed well by the principal actors. Neve Campbell, Denise Richards (surprisingly), and especially Matt Dillion turn in very good performances. I always enjoy Bill Murray and his part in this movie, although fairly small, adds some levity.

I can't comment too much on this movie without spoiling it, except to say that things aren't always what they expect to be. There are a lot of plot twists, some that probably couldn't stand tremendous scrutiny, but are realistic enough to keep the audience engaged.

The other technical aspects of the movie - direction and cinematography - are done very well, too. That is, they are unobtrusive.

This really is a thoroughly entertaining film, and while it does contain one rather steamy scene, is not a cheap sex film, but a well-thought out, well-executed story. I highly recommend it.