The 1990s is home to a ridicuolous number of crime classics, so much so that new ones are constantly being rediscovered – one of the latest is One False Move. Which also has recieved a newly minted Criterion Collection treatment.
Arriving at a friend’s house in the middle of the night, Fantasia (Cynda Williams) brings with her danger in the form of associates Ray (Billy Bob Thornton) and Pluto (Michael Beach). A distressing home invasion then unfolds, tensely brought alive as the criminal’s search for money and cocaine leads to six brutal murders being committed across that evening. Trailing them are a pair of LAPD Detectives that discover the trio are possibly headed for Star City, Arkansas, who receive help from the small-town police chief, Dale “Hurricane” Dixon (Bill Paxton).
Working off a screenplay by co-writers Tom Epperson and Billy Bob Thornton, Carl Franklin powerfully directs this compelling noir of the best laid plans threatening to fall apart with the slightest push. Key to it are the murderous drug-dealers, with Thornton magnificently capturing the volatile figure quick to violence, while Beach brings a chilling calmness to his role. Despite the opposing personalities, the men are both sadistic drug dealers willing to commit vile acts for their own self-interest.
Franklin’s direction effectively conveys the simmering tensions which bring an unnerving sensation to scenes, with a petrol station sequence threatened by Ray’s paranoia escalating to uncomfortable degrees. Rounding off the trio is Fantasia, Ray’s cocaine-addicted girlfriend whose lurking humanity is at odds with the group’s objectives, brought alive by Williams’ stunningly layered portrayal.
All roads lead to Star City, where police chief Dixon handles the quiet town with a laid-back approach while holding a sense of respect. Having maintained his position without drawing his gun, this big case excites the chief as he sees the potential to move up into the big city and prove himself to detectives he admires. Key to it is an exceptional Paxton, whose aspirations are hindered by an obliviousness regarding how the detectives see him while darker secrets lurk underneath.
If the noir trappings are stripped from this feature, what remains is a cyclical tale where racism is excused, violence’s effects linger, and law enforcement figures abuse their power (particularly regarding having eyes for younger women). Despite the plans which are made, all that can make it fall apart is, well, one false move. This underrated work deserves to be seen more widely, and here’s hoping that will be rectified by this Criterion release.
One False Move is out now on Criterion Collection Blu-Ray
James’s Archive – One False Move
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