| Paul Sullivan |
Shades, directed by Erik Van Looy, who also co-scripted the screenplay along with the help of Paul Breuls and Guy Lee Thys was
released in 1999. In this picture, Mickey Rourke portrays a fading, under appreciated director, Paul Sullivan. Many reviewers of
this film claimed, Rourke ‘basically played himself.’ There were a few clever ironies, such as the canine companion who constantly
accompanies him everywhere, the avant-garde wardrobe, the unkempt longish-hair, cigarette overkill..
released in 1999. In this picture, Mickey Rourke portrays a fading, under appreciated director, Paul Sullivan. Many reviewers of
this film claimed, Rourke ‘basically played himself.’ There were a few clever ironies, such as the canine companion who constantly
accompanies him everywhere, the avant-garde wardrobe, the unkempt longish-hair, cigarette overkill..
Yet, Rourke pokes fun at both his persona and the movie industry itself. This is an intriguing and wacky film which gets better with
each viewing. This Belgian-made movie fights mediocrity. When Paul calls on the seriously addicted actor Dylan Cole (Andrew
Howard) for the principal role, the difficult and ill-tempered star waves his true colors. Things get out of hand when he attempts to
humanize the hated man’s life story through his performance. When the local media leaks the problems, the families of Lebecq’s
victims want to shut down the exploitative production entirely, but Paul catches hell from all angles. His unstable Belgian producer/ex-
lawyer Bervoets Gene is well on the verge of a nervous break-down, the actress who will do anything to be a star and even the real
serial killer wants a piece of the pie.
each viewing. This Belgian-made movie fights mediocrity. When Paul calls on the seriously addicted actor Dylan Cole (Andrew
Howard) for the principal role, the difficult and ill-tempered star waves his true colors. Things get out of hand when he attempts to
humanize the hated man’s life story through his performance. When the local media leaks the problems, the families of Lebecq’s
victims want to shut down the exploitative production entirely, but Paul catches hell from all angles. His unstable Belgian producer/ex-
lawyer Bervoets Gene is well on the verge of a nervous break-down, the actress who will do anything to be a star and even the real
serial killer wants a piece of the pie.
Shades takes place on a movie shoot. As Paul Sullivan is making a directorial comeback with a film about a famous serial killer.
Sullivan strives to look deeply into the mind of evil to get a true feel for mass murderer Freddy Lebecq, played by Jan Decleir.
Years later, 'Shades' is a superb, yet forgotten movie, in spite of the acting, impressive story-line and cinematic excellence of this
cult film.
Sullivan strives to look deeply into the mind of evil to get a true feel for mass murderer Freddy Lebecq, played by Jan Decleir.
Years later, 'Shades' is a superb, yet forgotten movie, in spite of the acting, impressive story-line and cinematic excellence of this
cult film.
Mickey Rourke is clever as he observes the world around him. Shades is very real, brutal and sad picture containing numerous
dignities such as an ensemble of shining actors, a realistic plot, honest noir humor. The real chaos on the set makes for a good watch
that works really well and is not sugar-coated for the mainstream.
dignities such as an ensemble of shining actors, a realistic plot, honest noir humor. The real chaos on the set makes for a good watch
that works really well and is not sugar-coated for the mainstream.
| This character synopsis was written by K. Thompson feedback is greatly appreciated. |
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