Buffalo '66
Buffalo '66

Buffalo '66

1998Movie110 minEnglish

Billy is released after five years in prison. In the next moment, he kidnaps teenage student Layla and visits his parents with her, pretending she is his girlfriend and they will soon marry.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users82%
Director: Vincent GalloGenres: Crime, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Billy Brown is released from prison after five years and kidnaps a young woman, Layla, to pose as his wife. He takes her to his hometown of Buffalo, New York, to introduce her to his parents, whom he has not seen since his incarceration. As Billy's erratic and violent behavior escalates, Layla begins to understand the depth of his desperation and the fractured reality he inhabits.

Critical Reception

Buffalo '66 was met with polarizing reviews upon its release, initially dividing critics and audiences. However, it has since gained a significant cult following and is now widely regarded as a daring and original independent film. Its raw intensity, unique visual style, and unflinching portrayal of a disturbed protagonist have earned it a lasting place in cinematic discourse.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its bold, uncompromising vision and striking visual aesthetic.
  • Vincent Gallo's performance is frequently cited as intense and captivating, though divisive.
  • Criticized by some for its bleakness and challenging narrative, while others found it compellingly raw.

Google audience: Audiences often find Buffalo '66 to be a raw, intense, and artistically ambitious film. While some viewers are put off by its dark themes and unsettling protagonist, many appreciate its unique style and memorable performances, particularly Christina Ricci's. It's frequently described as a challenging but rewarding watch for those seeking unconventional cinema.

Fun Fact

Vincent Gallo famously shot the film using a handheld 35mm camera, contributing to its distinctive, cinéma vérité-like feel and raw energy.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Billy" (Vincent Gallo) gets let out of prison and promises to bring his new wife to meet his mother. An hasty promise for two reasons. First - well, he hasn't actually got a wife and second - he is desperate to pee. Intent on sorting out t...
Wuchak

Wuchak

Mostly tedious, but Ricci is adorable, “Heart of the Sunrise” is featured and the message is potent An angry sad sack (Vincent Gallo) is released after five years in prison near Buffalo and proceeds to kidnap a cute girl at a ballet stud...