Review: Go Go Tales

GO
GO TALES
Directed by: Abel
Ferrara
Starring: Willem Dafoe, Bob
Hoskins, Asia Argento…

PLOT: A screwball comedy about a lively, classy, Manhattan go go
cabaret run by a passionate impresario Ray Ruby who is reluctant to
face the reality of an imminent foreclosure threatening the
existence of his Paradise. With the assistance of an animated staff,
he remains hopeful and determined to persevere despite every
indication of inevitable failure. Ray’s denial is reinforced with
a devised plan to win a lottery ticket that will magically
emancipate his famous nudie bar.

CRITIQUE:
Willem Dafoe is Ray; the charming, vibrant, idealist, who
entertains New York with a glamorous and vivacious opening act night
after night while introducing some of the sexiest, most beautiful
and voluptuous multi cultural women on Paradise’s stage. He is
flamboyant, exuberant and driven by his resolution to stay in
business regardless of every problem threatening the very existence
of
Paradise
. His brother Johnie (Matthew
Modine) decides he wants out, pole dancers request their pay, a
dancer becomes pregnant and landlord Lillian (Sylvia Miles) demands
her four months rent. Oblivious
and optimistic, Ray is adamant to stay afloat until his idea for a
fixed lottery ticket comes to fruition.

Dafoe is brilliantly amusing and entertaining as the
charismatic dreamer Ray. His character is complimented with a
supporting cast of hilarious, dynamic actors like Bob Hoskins who
plays the club’s Maitre d’, Modine as his refined brother,
Sylvia Miles as the outrageous, loud-mouthed landlady, and Pras
Michel who plays the gourmet hot dog frying chef. Among the many
beautiful, skin exposing, talented strippers is Asia Argento, whose
interaction with her dog and Modine are scene stealing. There are
several other characters played by the large ensemble cast who
provide perfect comedic timing and dark innuendos in this
surprisingly funny script. However,
regardless of its humor, the plot doesn’t quite make sense.
The story is all over the place and at times difficult to
follow.

With past films such as BAD LIEUTENANT, THE ADDICTION and
DANGEROUS GAME, director

Ferrara

presents unique angles and frames to shoot within the go go cabaret.
Vibrant colors enlivened as he focuses on the stage, women’s
sensual bodies, and angular office shots. There are also many scenes
alternatively filming from the security cameras for a genuine strip
club feel. The film is visually enticing and stimulating. Every
angle enhances the comedic value of each scene. However, the
film’s strength is its visual creativity and animated cast.
Don’t expect a clear, or interesting script but rather to be
entertained with lots of sexy nudity while evoking moments of
out-loud laughs. —
6/10