Cost of Living . Austin Chronicle . 03-30-98

Cost of Living

DIRECTED BY: Stan Schofield

REVIEWED: 03-30-98

Cost of Living belongs to the interesting offshoot of film noir that dispenses with the familiar plot device of the criminal caper and devotes its full attention to the moral and philosophical conflicts which have always been the genre's most intriguing feature. Schofield's story focuses on a rugged individualist named Billie (Falco, in a masterful, richly authentic acting turn) forced into the uncomfortable position of asking for help when menacing figures from her past corner her in a Gulf Coast fishing town. Despite minor flaws such as an annoyingly derivative performance by Villemaire as a blue-collar stud who becomes Billie's antagonist/lust object, this is a smart, evocative movie that compares surprisingly well with the works of modern noir innovators such as John Dahl and Steven Soderbergh. The key to Schofield's success is an approach to this filmmaking style that proceeds from a deep understanding of its complex, wised-up worldview, not just a desire to soak up its hip cachet. The hard existential questions raised by good noir storytelling are intelligently explored (especially, in this case, the terrible implications of complete freedom) and resolved with a lingering hint of mystery that avoids tying the ends up too neatly. Cost of Living is an impressive performance by a director with a true, unfakeable vision and the artistry to bring it fully realized to the screen.

--Russell Smith

Film Vault Suggested Links
Diabolique
A Perfect Murder
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Rate this Film
If you don't want to vote on a film yet, and would like to know how others voted, leave the rating selection as "Vote Here" and then click the Cast Vote button.