Something Wild (1986). Photofest.
(Jonathan Demme, US 1986, 114 min., 35mm)
Charlie Riggs (Jeff Daniels) is an investment banker locked into his repetitive Manhattan lifestyle. In order to get a small thrill out of life, he leaves a diner without paying for his lunch. Outside, he’s confronted by Lulu (Melanie Griffith), who recognizes him as a “closet rebel” and offers him a ride back to work. Instead, Lulu takes him to New Jersey, robbing a liquor store and handcuffing Charlie to a bed along the way. Despite his panic at not being able to check in with work, Charlie realizes he is falling in love with Lulu and her freewheeling lifestyle. What appears to be an “opposites attract” story of stereotypes evolves into a touching, tone-shifting comedy with the depth of the screenplay by E. Max Frye and Jonathan Demme’s empathetic direction.