Snake Eyes (1998): Brian De Palma's super under appreciated film.

Snake Eyes on IMDB

Haven't seen this film in probably 10 years and decided to rewatch it on Netflix. Nick Cage is born for the role of skeezy Atlantic City cop. Gary Sinise perfectly creates an uneasiness in the viewer (his last scene in the film is absolutely haunting). A mostly great supporting cast.

What really makes this film extraordinary; however, is Brian De Palma's directing. The excitement and chaos of an Atlantic City Boxing Event in the first 15 minutes is expertly portrayed with his camera. Plenty of fluid tracking shots. Actors walking into shots from their own perspective (perhaps a bit of homage to 8 1/2?). Medium shots pushing into close ups to highlight details that we may want to remember later, but without feeling oppressive towards the viewer. The replaying of events from different perspective that doesn't feel redundant, but makes you want to see more. Tasteful use of camera angles that don't make themselves known, but build that subconscious tension. Elaborate sets to allow shots that don't exist in real life.

I'm really surprised it's only a 5.9/10 on IMDB. My guess is people were wanting a straight forward action/suspense film and didn't appreciate some of the plot developments. I will admit the tone for the second half of the film isn't quite a strong as the first half, but by the end of the film you wish you could experience more stories as stylistically portrayed as this one. This is a good watch from a classic New Hollywood director.

What does everyone else think?