I was in high school in the early ’90s. During this time I watched a lot of indie films. If you can relate to this then you’ll agree that there is something very distinct and familiar about a ’90s indie film. There really are no other films quite like that. It’s a look, feel and vibe that has never been replicated, for better or worse. Within the first few minutes of The Search For One-Eye Jimmy I felt instantly comfortable with it even though I’d never seen the film before, because it has that distinct early ’90s indie feel.
In the film Les (Holt McCallany) returns home to Brooklyn after finishing film school in L.A. He wants to make a film about the old neighborhood. Upon arriving he meets Michael Badalucco’s Joe “Head” (on account of his larger cranium) who off hand mentions that “One-Eye” Jimmy (on account of having a glass eye) has been missing for a couple days. Les sees this mystery as his chance to make a really interesting film and sets off with Joe to talk to other people who know Jimmy to try and figure out where he went and why.
Along the way they meet a who’s who of great actors who, at the time of making this film, were all still trying to make a name for themselves. Nicholas Turturro plays Junior Jr., a car thief who always seems to be stealing the wrong car. His brother John Turturro plays Disco Bean, a guy stuck in the ’70s who works to perfect his sweet dance moves in a warehouse. It is through Disco that we learn how Jimmy lost his eye. Steve Buscemi plays Ed, Jimmy’s brother. Ed makes ends meet by offering to take Polaroids of people with cardboard cutouts of famous people. Samuel L. Jackson plays Col. Ron, a crazy homeless guy. Tony Sirico (The Sporano’s Paulie) plays The Snake (formerly The Whale), a two-bit gangster. Anne Meara (Ben Stiller’s mom) plays Jimmy and Ed’s mom. Jennifer Beals plays a chick that Joe dances with at a party and Aida Turturro plays a shyster fortune teller. Oh, and Sam Rockwell shows up at the end of the film too. There is also a bunch of other “that guys” in this film you’ll recognize. To get all these great actors in one film today would be quite an event, but in 1993 they were just looking for their big break. Sam Jackson would find his one year later with Pulp Fiction.
It’s a pretty simple premise for a film and it’s the kooky characters and great young actors who make the film thoroughly entertaining. Each actors owns there scenes. People like John Turturro and Sam Jackson have much smaller roles, but are so much fun when they are on screen. Nicholas Turturro is easily the shining star of the film as Junior. He has many funny and memorable lines.
After watching The Search For One-Eye Jimmy I was a little surprised. Surprised that I’d never heard of it before and surprised that most people I know had never heard of it before either. The Search For One-Eye Jimmy is a shinning example of the early ’90s indie film scene with a bunch of great early performances by a bunch of great actors. This movie is absolutely worth checking out if you’ve never seen it.
This film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen and Stereo sound. As I said, this is a classic early 90’s indie film and looks like it too. I’m not sure Blu-ray is really necessary for a film like this, but by no means does it look bad. It looks as good as it needs to.
Sadly there are no special features on this disc. I’d love to hear all these actors thoughts and ruminations on their time making this film.
Writer/Director Sam Henry Kass never went on to make a name for himself after The Search For One-Eye Jimmy (though he did write a couple episodes of Seinfeld), but he did deliver one gem of a film that and fan of cinema should sit down and spend some time with. Where else are you going to get Sam Jackson, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Jennifer Beals and all three Turturro siblings in one film?
Kino Lorber presents The Search For One-Eye Jimmy. Written and Directed by: Sam Henry Kass. Starring: Holt McCallany, Michael Badalucco, Steve Buscemi, Samuel L. Jackson, Nicholas, John and Aida Turturro, Sam Rockwell, Tony Sirico, Jennifer Beals and Anne Meara. Running time: 85 minutes. Rating: R. Released: March 6, 2012. Available at Amazon.com.
