Tequila Sunrise (DVD, 1997)

A great film with a turbulent beginning--starting with its production from Warner Bros and Harrison Ford pulling out due to conflicts over the screenplay and role respectively; to a carousels of who’s who auditioning or being considered for the parts of Nick Frescia (Alec Baldwin and Miami Heat Head Coach (then with the Los Angeles Lakers) Pat Riley were considered for the role of Nick before settling with Kurt Russell) and Dale “Mac” McKussic (Harrison Ford was slated to play this role before he pulled out. Mel Gibson was signed on as his replacement); to admission sales possibly being bloated due to the initial teaser trailer of Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) which was shown prior to the film (giddy fans were reported to have paid admission just to see the aforementioned trailer).

Now to the movie. Tequila Sunrise.

Other than knowing it was a film that “may have” won awards (and it did when it captured the Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases and Most Performed Songs from Motion Pictures awards), I knew very little else of its history and sadly, even was staring in the film.

As the credits rolled, I even missed the title of film and Gibson’s name. But then names of Pfeiffer, Russell, and the late Raul Julia popped up. Now this was certainly something interesting to watch. The lead character, Dale “Mac” McKussic (Gibson), is an ex-drug dealer who is trying to go straight. His “friend,” Detective Lieutenant Nicholas “Nick” Frescia (Russell), throughout the film tries to entrap him, believing that he is unable to “go straight.” Jo Ann Vallenari (Pfeiffer) is a restaurant owner and the love interest of both men. Vallenari had a consistent “glazed look,” and in my opinion, was seemingly on drugs for the duration of the film. And lastly, my “the star of the show,” Carlos/Comandante Xavier Escalante (played by the late Raul Julia) who truly made McKussic believe he was a “buddy.”

Lastly, for an independent film, I have to tip my hat to Writer and Director Robert Towne—he really believed in this project and his passion was seen throughout the film and in his characters (especially Escalante).