Spring Break
Frank Miller's 'Spirit' a lifeless affair
The writer and director of 'Sin?City' failed to create an enjoyable adaptation of Will Eisner's 1940 comic.
by Justine Root
Arts Editor
Arts | 1/13/09
Posted online at 12:55 AM EST on 1/13/09
The Spirit features one of the worst representations of women in recent memory, with its inclusion of Sand Saref (Eva Mendes) as a gold digger who photocopies her ass during monologues and seeks "the shiny thing to end all shiny things," and Ellen Dolan (Sarah Paulson), a surgeon who frequently throws herself at the Spirit despite his tendency to chase skirts in front of her. Not only that, but The Spirit also contains a scene in which Samuel L. Jackson and Scarlett Johansson dress in Nazi garb for no other apparent reason than shock value.
Unfortunately, not even Miller's notable visuals can salvage The Spirit. Miller's artistic style, which was impressive in Sin City, would have been enjoyable addition to The Spirit except that it is fairly obvious Miller has already run out of tricks and is hoping to get by on style rather than substance. Alas, Miller has already begun lifting ideas from films by Quentin Tarintino:
Mysterious case that contains a glowing object? Check.
Person punching his way out of a coffin? Check.
Samuel L. Jackson? Check.
However, the worst part of the film is undoubtedly the director's implication that there might be a sequel in the making; apparently, both the Spirit and Miller need to learn that there is a time for everyone and everything to die.
Unfortunately, not even Miller's notable visuals can salvage The Spirit. Miller's artistic style, which was impressive in Sin City, would have been enjoyable addition to The Spirit except that it is fairly obvious Miller has already run out of tricks and is hoping to get by on style rather than substance. Alas, Miller has already begun lifting ideas from films by Quentin Tarintino:
Mysterious case that contains a glowing object? Check.
Person punching his way out of a coffin? Check.
Samuel L. Jackson? Check.
However, the worst part of the film is undoubtedly the director's implication that there might be a sequel in the making; apparently, both the Spirit and Miller need to learn that there is a time for everyone and everything to die.
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