In the Soup

In the Soup (1992) is the second film from director Alexandre Rockwell. It largely defies genre categorization, but if pressed, I might say it was an indie black buddy comedy. That would be a black comedy and a buddy comedy, not to be confused with a comedy about black buddies.

Adolpho (Steve Buscemi) is an aspiring screenwriter/filmmaker living in a dumpy apartment in lower Manhattan. He's hopelessly in love with his neighbor Angelica (Jennifer Beals), and wastes no opportunity to tell her he wants to cast her in his next movie, playing the part of an angel. The problem is, Angelica is already married to Gregoire, a Frenchman who duped her into marrying him for a greencard he can't provide. The other problem is that Angelica barely knows Adolpho exists, and when she does notice him, it's mostly in disgust.

Oh yeah, Adolpho's third and more pressing problem is that he can't pay the rent and he's being hounded by his goomba landlords Louis and Frank. Adolpho takes out an ad and shops his massive War and Peace-sized script around town, hoping to land a producer. What he lands is Joe (Seymour Cassel), a bipolar mover and shaker whose only business seems to be making money in a myriad of complex schemes and deals; and Joe's brother Skippy, a mysteriously menacing hemophiliac.

In the Soup chronicles Adolpho's attempts to make his masterpiece film in the midst of Joe's late nights, shady deals, ambiguous sexuality, and general lunacy. Joe's mercurial moods and impulsive personality wreak havoc on a passive and shy Adolpho, and the young writer is unsure whether Joe will eventually be his salvation or damnation.

This film was the star of the indie circuit in '92. Rockwell deftly mixes influences as separate as Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jim Jarmusch (who even has a cameo!) to concoct a cinematic metaphor for remembering the value of the journey over the destination. Following the tradition of Jarmusch, In the Soup was released in black & white (though originally filmed in color), presumably to better capture the existential angst of an amateur filmmaker in Manhattan.

This film is a slow-burner, presenting complex situations that unfold at a leisurely pace, and relying heavily on character development to carry the film. It works here, mostly thanks to Seymour Cassel, who turns in a hilariously manic and dark performance as Joe. Unfortunately, there is a voice-over narrative from Steve Buscemi, and I found it as disappointing as nearly every single other voice-over in film history. Thankfully, it's used sparingly.

In the Soup builds slowly, but thanks to some inspired performances, you'll never feel bored. And check this one out for some early appearances by Buscemi and Sam Rockwell (no relation to
the director).

Plot & Storyline: 9/10
Cinematography & effects: 7/10
Music & mood: 6/10
Performances: 8/10

The Reverend says: 7/10