Snake Eyes

Un arc dramatique à l'envers. L'une des ouvertures les plus riches de l'histoire du cinéma sur le plan cinématographique, une véritable euphorie cinéphile se dégage de la combinaison de la caméra, du son et du montage. Et même après, De Palma nous rappelle pendant longtemps à quel point il aime le CINÉMA et Hitchcock. Mais le potentiel d'une intrigue parfaitement développée s'affaiblit ensuite fortement. Le scénario se concentre trop sur les détails, perdant tout dynamisme dans l'intrigue principale et passant d'un mode ludique et intelligent à un mode d'impuissance et de farce scénaristique. (10/08/2022)

Brian De Palma is an amazing director who has made several cult films, but I wouldn’t put Snake Eyes in that category. Nicolas Cage was the right choice for the lead role—at the time, he was at the top of Hollywood, and he really shined here. It’s interesting that the beginning is shot without a single cut, and I didn’t even notice it at first. The story, set in a boxing arena, is quite unusual but also refreshing, which is a big plus. I’d probably highlight the cinematography the most, as it often stepped outside the usual norm, giving the film an extra touch of originality (for example, the bird’s-eye view of the rooms was something I hadn’t seen before). Gary Sinise was clearly the villain from the start—his attempt at pretending to be a good guy didn’t really work, which is a shame. The story was quite simplistic, with good once again facing off against evil and defeating it. Don’t expect a more complex plot with major twists. The script, unlike the direction, didn’t stand out, which in the end makes me feel like Snake Eyes is a film I only need to see once. Still, it’s a good film to unwind with. I give it 66%. (07/08/2017)

A classic De Palma that can be felt from miles away (innovative directing and technical tricks + a bizarre script and an unattractive touch of strangeness). But Snake Eyes is worth watching, especially for fans of formal refinement. We are treated to several long shots without cuts, screen divisions, strangely “rusty” camera filters and other details that the average viewer wouldn't even notice. It's a shame that it was only a run-of-the-mill crime story with a rather ridiculous ending. (17/08/2008)

The opening is amazing, a 20-minute camera ride following Cage as he greets his buddies on the way into the auditorium, knocks down a thug, gets off the phone and watches the opening of a boxing match. All without a single cut! It is true that after that the film drops in quality and the ending is full of clichés, but De Palma is simply cool and that has to be appreciated. (04/07/2002)

I originally only gave this movie three stars. I don't understand why. I guess I was too young then to appreciate Brian De Palma's great story and genius. The guy clearly enjoys working with the camera. And in Snake Eyes, he finally took full advantage of this. The opening shot which lasts for a quarter of an hour is almost unparalleled. On top that Nicolas Cage and Gary Sinise are playing as if their lives depended on it. Just superb. A picture that was ahead of its time. (20/07/2008)