Vincent Gallo's Buffalo '66 isn't just a film; it's an experience. A jarring, unsettling, and undeniably captivating experience that leaves audiences questioning its very nature. Its strangeness isn't accidental; it's a deliberate stylistic choice that contributes to the film's power and enduring cult status. But why is it so weird? Let's delve into the factors that contribute to its unique, unsettling atmosphere.
The Unsettling Atmosphere of Buffalo '66
The film's weirdness stems from a multitude of factors, interwoven to create a uniquely disturbing yet compelling narrative. It's not just one thing, but a combination of elements working in unsettling harmony.
1. The Unhinged Protagonist: Billy Brown
Billy Brown, played by Vincent Gallo himself, is the film's nucleus of strangeness. He's a deeply flawed, volatile character with a disturbing past and a complete lack of social graces. His erratic behavior, impulsive actions, and unsettling detachment from reality make him a deeply uncomfortable, yet strangely compelling, protagonist. His inability to connect genuinely with others fuels the film's pervasive sense of unease.
2. The Unconventional Narrative Structure
Buffalo '66 doesn't follow a traditional narrative arc. The pacing is deliberate, often meandering, and punctuated by jarring shifts in tone and mood. The storyline jumps between the present and flashbacks, creating a fragmented narrative that mirrors Billy's fractured psyche. This unconventional structure contributes to the film's unsettling and disorienting effect.
3. The Uncomfortable Realism
Despite its oddball characters and surreal moments, Buffalo '66 possesses a gritty realism that intensifies its unsettling effect. The film's depiction of the underbelly of Buffalo, New York, is stark and unromantic, further adding to the overall sense of bleakness and unease. The characters are flawed and unlikeable, and their interactions are often uncomfortable and awkward, reflecting the harsh realities of life for many.
4. The Stylistic Choices
Gallo's directorial style is a significant contributor to the film's "weirdness." The cinematography is often stark and unflattering, the soundtrack is unconventional and jarring, and the pacing is deliberate and slow. These stylistic choices combine to create a distinct and unsettling atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people ask about the film's unique characteristics:
Is Buffalo '66 a dark comedy?
While the film contains moments of dark humor, it's not strictly a dark comedy. The humor is often unsettling and uncomfortable, reflecting the film's overall tone of bleakness and unease. It treads the line between dark comedy and unsettling drama, with elements of both existing within its narrative.
What makes Buffalo '66's characters so strange?
The characters are strange because of their exaggerated flaws and eccentricities. They are often socially awkward, emotionally stunted, and prone to unpredictable outbursts. They represent a kind of human ugliness rarely shown on screen, adding to the movie's uncomfortable viewing experience.
Why is the ending of Buffalo '66 so ambiguous?
The ambiguous ending reflects Billy's unresolved internal conflicts. It leaves the audience questioning whether any real change has occurred or if Billy is merely repeating destructive patterns. The open-endedness is a stylistic choice that emphasizes the lingering uncertainty surrounding the character's future and fate.
Is Buffalo '66 a realistic portrayal of life in Buffalo?
While the film depicts a specific, often bleak aspect of Buffalo life, it shouldn't be taken as a completely realistic portrayal of the entire city. The film focuses on the fringes of society, highlighting poverty, social dysfunction, and the struggles of those marginalized.
In conclusion, the "weirdness" of Buffalo '66 is a deliberate artistic choice, a culmination of unconventional storytelling, unsettling characters, and a distinct stylistic approach. It's a film that challenges audiences and lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, making it a true cult classic.
