Blood & Wine

Alex Gates, Jack Nicholson’s character in Blood and Wine seems to have it all, an attractive wife (Judy Davis), a sexy Latin mistress (Jennifer Lopez), a red BMW convertible and impeccable taste in wine. But the wine merchant’s finances are stretched to the limit, his marriage is in shambles and his relationship to his stepson Jason (Stephen Dorff) is toxic. Alex’s smiling countenance masks a life in complete turmoil.

Alex believes the solution to all his troubles is to team up with an emphysemic safe cracker (Michael Caine) and steal a million dollar necklace from one of his rich clients. This, however, is only the start of his troubles as his wife confronts him about his affair, ending with a bloody fight and his wife and Jason fleeing with the necklace.

What follows is a tale of double-crossing and greed that makes the viewer wonder whatever happened to honour among thieves. The only character with any decency ends up dying and the director seems to be saying that greed ruins lives, unless you’re young and good looking. Jason wants the necklace as much as his stepfather but because its the upcoming Dorff playing him we’re not supposed to mind. The most deceitful of all on screen is the gorgeous Lopez, who is excellent as she switches her affections between Alex and his stepson depending on who has the necklace.

This is the problem with all the film’s personalities. Despite being played by quality actors they are just so nasty that we don’t care what happens to them. It’s a shame, because the film doesn’t really have enough clout to be an in-depth study about greed, and so plays like the usual emotional-thriller but without the good guy whom we want to ‘win’ at the end. Instead, most of the time we are hoping they all get their comeuppance, especially Michael Caine who turns in his best performance for years. Nonetheless, Blood and Wine is an enjoyable escapade even if it is lacking in heroes.

Chri