Under the Radar

A couple of films that have probably passed under yours (and most peoples) radar screens which offer the viewer an engaging story with superb performances are Big Bad Love and The World's Fastest Indian.



The World's Fastest Indian is a story about New Zealander Burt Munro (portrayed by Anthony Hopkins) who, in his advanced years and heart trouble, travelled to America and the Salt Flats of Bonneville to break the streamlined under 1000cc land speed record on his custom built Indian Motorcycle. The write up of the film does it no justice. Hopkins is amazing in this film delivering a character performance that only a master could pull off and the direction is tight. Whether the storyline appeals to you or not is of no consequence. See this film for Hopkins performance.



Big Bad Love is one of those films that definitely does not possess mass appeal which, to me, is not necessarily a bad thing. Arliss Howard plays the lead, a troubled Vietnam vet trying to get his writing published while struggling with alcohol, mood swings and his separation from his children and his wife played by Debra Winger (who is his real life wife). Strong performances are turned in by Howard, Debra Winger, Paul LeMat, Rosanna Arquette and Angie Dickinson. Howard was the executive producer, director and screenwriter for the film giving the Larry Brown short stories a cohesive flow capturing the moody, emotional, melancholy yet still hopeful essence of his offerings. Tom Waits composed the score for the film.