Something Wild

Jonathan Demme's film that changes genre: comedy in the first half, thriller in the second. Charlie is a tax adviser in New York who likes rules. Leaving a diner without paying his bill, he is caught by a woman calling herself Lulu, who puts him in her car and drives. She will not say her name, her plan or where they are going. Charlie does not object. The trip continues with a visit to Lulu's mother and then a high school reunion. There her real name emerges, and so does her husband Ray. The register changes at once; the comedy ends and the threat begins. Ray Liotta plays Ray, in his first major role, and the character's ability to look charming and turn dangerous instantly became the template for everything he did afterwards. Jeff Daniels plays Charlie and Melanie Griffith plays Lulu. The soundtrack runs on reggae and 1980s new wave, and John Waters and Sister Carol appear in small parts. A solid choice for anyone who likes genre mixtures and 1980s American independents. For a viewer expecting one register, the break in the middle is abrupt and, for some, unpleasant.