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November 14, 2006
AFI FEST 2006: BUG
BUG is the new William Friedkin movie that he insists is not a horror movie even though Lionsgate is promoting it as one. But he also says THE EXORCIST isn't a horror movie, and that the head of Lionsgate is a proctologist.
BUG is based on a play, and if you didn't know that, you'd figure it out quickly, because 99% of the story takes place in a motel room. Ashley Judd is all freaked out because her white trash ex just got out of jail, and like every husband in every Ashley Judd movie, he likes to hit her. She gets over this by drinking vodka and Coke.
But then her lesbian best friend brings a dude over one night, and it's that creepy Sergeant Karnes fella from WORLD TRADE CENTER. He says he doesn't want to go to bed with her (Ashley). At some point he changes his mind, which is a good move on his part.
Then he starts seeing bugs everywhere. He's an ex military dude, and figures he was experimented on. He starts cutting himself, and fumigating the place. Ashley roles with it and believes him. They both get crazier and crazier.
I won't spoil the ending, but they both get naked.
I like the story, but it needs a big change from the play. A little ambiguity, too. Let us see the bugs, maybe believe crazy Karnes dude a little bit. Otherwise, I just don't get what Ashley sees in him. I get what he sees in her -- dressed down and acting trashy, Ashley is hotter than she's ever been since, like, HEAT. But there's no way she should be as crazy as Gulf War Guy in three days.
Actresses normally hold off on nudity for the big prestige projects, but Ashley does it for this and EYE OF THE BEHOLDER. Odd choices, I'd say.
This needed to be a more radical adaptation, and it isn't. But go if you want to see Ashley naked, or Karnes (though you don't see schlong, ladies).
Only the last part's a horror movie. Ashley was there at the screening and said she thinks it's a comedy.
Posted by LYT at November 14, 2006 1:44 AM [Message Board]
Comments
Maybe it was the fumes...
Posted by: David N. Scott at November 14, 2006 11:44 AM