Page 92 - ThePhoenix1987-88

Page U/Western Maryland CollegeiApril28, 1988 _CraigCecii Colors. It is a word that epito- bent, arrogant young man, con- lence. Hopper is a director who mizes the second greatest socio- cerned only with his personal likes to present the issues directly. logical barrier and cause of vio- grooming and not the nature of Both Duvall and Penn come lence in the world, second only to mankind. Sean Penn plays McGa- through with powerhouse perform- religion. But director Dennis vin.Infact,duetoPenn'shistoryof ances. The two actors make their Hopper's controversial new film, violent encounters with members characters so interesting to ob- Colors, does not directly delve into of the media, his "bad boy" status serve, both in the interactions be- the issue of skin tone as other greatly enhances his credibility in tween them and the gang members, filmmakers have opted _to do. that role with the audience. that they seem to pull viewers right Rather, Hopper focuses on the Robert Duvall plays Penn's there with them into me back al- mounting inner-city problem of senior partner, Bob Hodges, a life- leys. With this performance Penn gang warfare to paint a depressing, long veteran of the war in the has reestablished his credentials as yet realistic, portrayal of how col- streets, and recognized leader of with paint after Hodges reprimands action does abound in the film, one of the most intense actors ors divide us. the "Blues" by the gang members. the kid for vandalism. McGavin's mainly due to a running plot in- "around. Credit also goes to the Colors begins by displaying At first, it seems these two men actions gain him the appropriate volving the opening scene killer. gangmemberswhohaveshownthe some shocking dataconceming the couldn't be more different in their label "Pac-Man" and the gang's As an added bonus, Colors offers world just how low man can actu- growing number of gang-related views and tactics when dealing ultimate hatred. Perhaps Penn's one of the best, and most realistic ally sink, in hopes that someone deaths occuring yearly. Almost with the gangs. love interest in the film, Maria cae chases in cinematic history. out there will learn from their immediately after that, a shotgun- During any given bust (and Conchita Alonso, sums up best his Hopper's favorite directorial mistakes. Colors never could have toting gang member blows a hole there are many) McGavin stops at character when she says, "You trick in the film is the use of unex- achieved its realism without them. into the chest of a black man, right nothing to teach a lesson, to exer- have a bad heart, Danny. You are peered, blatantly shocking scenes After two hours have passed, in his own back yard. Hopper likes cise physical dominance over an just like them." As the movie rolls to illustrate the pure animalistic Colors has traveled through the to emphasize his points. individual. Hodges, on the other ahead though, viewers will dig- behavior of man. Other than bul- entire spectrum, coming full circle In order to curb some of this hand, represents a more passive cover just how much the partners letsrippingthroughfleshandbone, to where it began. Hopper has violence, or at least to appease the member of this duo, attempting to have in common. there are graphic portrayals of full given usafilm thatsendsamessage neighborhoods. the Los Angeles control the gangs with methods As for plot, Colors primarily nudity, masturbation, drug use, and asks further questions, while Police Department has created the they understand best, thai of territo- revolves around life in the trenches beatings and sexual intercourse. being controversial, entertaining, CRASH (Community Resources riaipossesion.Inthisway,hegains with Penn/Duvall and the gangs. Hopper also used actual gang enlightening, uplifting, and yet Against Street Hoodlums) unit. It some of their respect. . With this focus, Hopper produces a members and policemen to further depressing. And that is what mov- is. in effect, their own gang, only McGavin's relentless pursuit griuy.inner-cityfeelingofsubmer- support the feeling of realism. Of ies are all about dressed in blue. of gang members only succeeds in sian throughout, while success- course, realism here is a feeling of The newest member of stirring up a hornet's nest In one fully walking the fine line between being trappedin a viscious. unesca- Ranng out or 10: CRASH is Danny McGavin;ahell- scene McGavin sprays a boy's face adocu-dramaandacuonfhck. And pable and hopeless cycle of vio- -tt-tt-tt-tt-tt-tt-tt-tt LIFT - OFF into SPRING with CAPBoard! FRIDAY, APRIL 29 Almost MAYDAY Outside of Winslow 9pmFREE Saturday, April 30th BOOTHS OPEN 1 to 5 pm EVENTS: 2 pm - Caricatures Dave Thompson 3 pm - Hot Air Balloon Rides 4:15 pm - Comedian! Juggler Tony Duncan FRIDAY, MAY 6 5 - 6:30 pm - Bull Roast 7 and 9 pm 6 pm - Jabberwocks 7:30 pm - WHY NOT Forum $1