This is a typical crime film made in the late nineties and early two thousands, focusing on the supporting characters more than the lead; if you have even leads.... It is fast paced, with good directing skills, camera angles. Maybe a bit too complex to floow and then to summarize. I like the Jeff Bridges' character. From actual events.
Scenes of the Crime
2001
Action / Drama / Thriller
Scenes of the Crime
2001
Action / Drama / Thriller
5.7Plot summary
Lenny Burroughs is a struggling auto mechanic who serves as part-time driver for local gangster Rick in order to earn enough to buy his own garage and pay for his upcoming marriage. Unbeknownst to Lenny, his assignment includes kidnapping Jimmy Berg, an important gang kingpin who has robbed rival criminal Trevor Morrison of over $7 million dollars and killed three of his men including the son of Morrison's partner. The plan is for Morrison to trade Berg back to his partner, Steve Wayne, in exchange for the return of his money, a million dollar indemnity, and a percentage of union municipal contracts which are very profitable for the politically savvy Wayne. However, something goes wrong. Rick contradicts Trevor's plans and seems to be following the agenda of an unknown third party by ordering Lenny to a side street instead of the agreed-upon location. When he leaves the van, he's immediately run down by Wayne's men, who execute him gangland style. Fearing he'll be killed too, Lenny grabs the gun and threatens to shoot Berg unless the hoods return to their vehicles. A grim stand-off occurs on the street and in a local deli as negotiations continue on the phone as Lenny finds he has no choice but to act in Trevor's interest.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
Director
Top cast
Jeff Bridges as Jimmy Berg
Mädchen Amick as Carmen
Dominic Purcell as Mark
Nicholas Gonzalez as Marty
Tech specs
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB 833.96 MB
1280*714
English 2.0
R
Movie Reviews
Reviewed by
Excellent grade B crime flick
Reviewed by
Can't recommend ........
The main problem I have with "Scenes of the Crime" is that none of the characters are likable. They are all either gangsters or on the take. The film is extremely claustrophobic, taking place mostly inside a van or in a deli. The movie is also confusing, with lots of unseen characters being mentioned, and speaking of characters, none are really well developed. The presence of Bob Gunton, and R. Lee Ermey is a plus, while Jeff Bridges, playing against type, is a hard sell as a mob boss. The whole thing, although supposedly based on fact, is difficult to swallow, because it never feels genuine. Although the acting isn't bad, the entertainment value is questionable. - MERK
Reviewed by
Cellular phone booth
I recently caught up with this film on DVD format. Any film with Jeff Bridges in it, is worth a view, in my book. Dominique Forma directed, as well as contributed to the screen play. The people involved with this film probably started with a different idea in mind, but it appears they had no clue as how to resolve the main problem behind the story. The end result does not satisfies the viewer, but the ironic twist at the end makes one be glad for the young man who finds a pot of gold without even trying.
The comparison between this film and Joel Schumacher's "Phone Booth" comes to mind, as indicated by some contributors' comments. The only thing is this one takes place inside a van, and not on the street. It has a lot going for it, but the conclusion leaves many questions unanswered. Also, there are many things that are obvious to fans of this genre, such as the crazy old man who is in the background of the story and we sense he is nowhere as mad as he wants people to believe he is.
The acting is good. Jeff Bridges shines as Jimmy Berg, the object of the kidnapping. Noah Wyle has a smaller role in the film, but he's just as effective as the man who wants to protect Jimmy's life. Madchen Amick should be seen more often. R. Lee Ermey, Bob Gunton and Jon Abrahams play some of the other interesting characters in the film.