Natural Born Killers- An Oxymoron?

Natural Born Killers is a grizzly depiction of the glorification of violence in the United States today and the epitome of dysfunction in American homes. Oliver Stone poses an interesting question in this film. Are the two linked? Are people natural born menaces to society or is it a result of systematic abuse from their environment growing up. I don't think that there is a definitive answer; however, I do feel that this film gives an interesting insight into the American home churning out dysfunctional, restless, impatient, highly-strung young adults. Also, there is a great attempt, which I feel is successful, to show how we as people, not just American's, love to commercialize violent, catastrophic situations. Stone's controversial film really pokes fun at our sick need to sensationalize violence for our own personal growth. Granted many people may feel that this film has too much gratuitous violence, they obviously don't understand the satire behind it. Also, one may say, films like this are exactly what are creating disturbed children with violent tendencies. It certainly is an interesting argument, but that is the ironic question that this film asks, what causes such violence? We can't blame the media, can we? What about the home life of a particular individual? How about mental illness, with a terrific upbringing? If one was raised without any violence, can we be absolutely certain they won't become deranged killers like the two characters in the film? In a way, we are ALL preoccupied with killing and death, whether it be the media man trying to promote his tv show or the person doing it for the sheer pleasure of killing. Who is more at fault, the person doing the act, or the person capitalizing on it?

The films two central characters are Mickey and Mallory (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis, respectively). Both are lost souls with turbulent pasts who find each other and embark on a seductive, media-hyped killing spree. Upon opening, we are taken to a little diner in the middle of the desert where Mickey is ordering pie(how American). Mallory is dancing sensually in front of the juke-box as to entice the locals. One man begins to dance with her, using his beer bottle as a phallic symbol. Before one can blink, violence erupts in a dreamlike manner, and people are being shot left and right. For Mickey and Mallory, it is a very common-place, serial game. After leaving one survivor to "tell the story" they flee and continue their adventure.

In the midst of their spree, we are taken back to see exactly how the two met. The sequence in which Mallory's family and home life are introduced resembles an "I Love Lucy" show, which is the irony. It certainly is far from the tranquil feel that Lucy and Desi created with ease. The father (Rodney Dangerfield) is a drunken slob who completely disregards his subservient, oblivious wife (Edie McClurg) and molests Mallory daily. One day, Mickey comes to the door as a meat boy and essentially saves the day by rescuing Mallory from her personal hell. From this point on, Mickey is viewed somewhat of a hero, even as he unapologetically kills innocent Americans. Mallory and Mickey brutally kill her parents, which in a sense, sets her free. The whole sequence is a domestic trauma and is viewed in a very nonchalant light.

As the two grow closer together, they exchange vows (and each other's blood) and marry on top of a bridge. Their killing spree continues and they encounter various symbolic events and characters, such as an old Indian who opens his home to them. After having a nightmare of his past, and in a discombobulated frenzy, Mickey "accidentally" shoots and kills the Indian who was more than generous to them. Mallory feels that the killing symbolizes the death of all that is good and becomes detached from her love, Mickey. Soon after Mickey is bit by a rattle snake. With the poison coursing through his veins, the two make a desperate attempt to get him to safety. In a nearby grocery store, the two manage to find a medicinal solution as well as kill the owner. At this point the film takes a turn. Mallory is captured outside by the police who have been relentless pursuing the couple. Mickey, still inside, is forced to come out. Under a blanket of guns and the ubiquitous media, Mickey is also captured. After this vicissitude, the movie begins to focus on the media and police. The slick police chief (Tommy Lee Jones) and sleazy media man (Robert Downey, Jr.)both have personal growth in mind when capturing the duo. They plan to capitalize on this killing sensation. In doing so, they become utterly inhuman and are viewed nearly as bad, if not worse than the two criminals. The media man, Wayne, wants a personal interview, after the Super Bowl nonetheless, with Mickey. The film plays out like a true farce. Mickey and Mallory cause total chaotic pandemonium in the chief's jail, where the two are more heroic than ever, and have created a bigger fan base. They eventually escape, leaving the chief to be basically "eaten alive" by his own prison that he so proudly created. Once free again, Mickey and Mallory are followed by media man Wayne. He has become so utterly obsessed with the phenomenon of the two, that he is willing to do anything for his career, even die. And that is exactly what happens. He is shot on camera, for a glorious, frenzied media finally. The two seem to just fade away and go about their existences.

This is just a very brief synopsis of the film, it certainly has a lot to offer, especially visually. This is actually a real cinematic treat, if you can get around all the violence. Some of the shots are just magnificent. For example, the first scene in the diner gives you a great idea about how the shots in the movie will play out. Quick little cuts are used as foreshadowing of the next few minutes. It is gruesome, highly disturbing, but so well done. The four main characters are very well cast and give stunning performances. For those people who remember Woody on "Cheers" will be in for a shock!! As usual Robert Downey is perfection.

Overall, I feel that this is a very valuable film to watch. This is clearly an extremely violent film so I don't feel that it is for everyone, obviously. If you have a good sense of humor and a iron stomach, you definitely should view this.