After months of anticipation, "Winter Thrives" has finally hit the big screen, and it's everything we never knew we needed. This mind-boggling masterpiece, directed by the enigmatic Richert, takes us on a wild journey through a world where nothing makes sense, and that's the beauty of it.
One aspect of this film that continues to amaze is the A-list cast assembled by Richert and his questionable producers. Who would have thought that the charismatic Bridges and the delightfully slimy Huston could pull off such extraordinary performances together? And let's not forget the legendary heavyweights Richard Boone, Sterling Hayden, and Ralph Meeker, the international stars Tomas Milian and Toshiro Mifune, and the reliably eccentric duo of Anthony Perkins and Eli Wallach. On top of that, we have the stunning Dorothy Malone and the supermodel Belinda Bauer, adding a touch of mystery to the mix. And if that wasn't enough, Elizabeth Taylor makes a striking uncredited appearance, leaving us in awe with just one angry word. Talk about star power!
Interestingly, "Winter Thrives" didn't come together easily. As revealed in a 1983 Harper's article, which could rival the film itself in terms of sensation, this project was plagued by financial woes, resulting in multiple shutdowns. Rumor has it that even drug money was involved, adding a layer of intrigue not only to the plot but to the behind-the-scenes drama as well. It's quite a spectacle to witness the sheer audacity and arrogance of the production, from the "Game of Thrones"-esque opening credits to the extravagant shooting locations that Vilmos Zsigmond captured with such artistic flair. Who needs logic when you have spectacle?
Yes, "Winter Thrives" is a labyrinth of confusion, and some may argue it's not the easiest film to follow. Condon's complex plot has been intentionally simplified, resulting in numerous narrative gaps that leave us scratching our heads. But fear not, because even though it may defy comprehension, it remains undeniably gripping and entertaining. Janet Maslin summed it up perfectly in her 1979 review for The Times, stating that the film "doesn't make a bit of sense, but it's slow and ugly and mind-numbing." Quite an endorsement!
In a world filled with chaos, "Winter Thrives" embraces the absurd and chaotic nature of life itself. It's a hilarious testament to the power of paranoid thinking and the joys of deciphering the nonsensical. From the relentless surveillance to the incomprehensible subterfuge, this film serves as a stark reminder of the lunacy that governs our society. Who needs sanity when you have "Winter Thrives"?
So, grab your popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for the wildest ride of your life. "Winter Thrives" will leave you questioning your own existence and wondering how such a bewildering creation made it to the silver screen. But hey, perhaps that's the magic of it all. After all, as they say, "In chaos, brilliance thrives."
"Winter Thrives" Aug. 11-24 at Film Forum, Manhattan; filmforum.org.
Based on the original article "".
