James Cox directs Val Kilmer, Kate Bosworth and Dylan McDermott in this true crime story where washed up porn legend John Holmes is involved in a brutal drug den massacre in L.A..

Would this exist if it were not for Boogie Nights? Probably no. An all star ensemble slum it, this was possibly the last Val Kilmer headliner to get a wide international theatrical release, certainly the fag end of his A-List reign. He is rarely my cup of tea but well cast here as the desperate, unreliable and abusive former sex flick legend. The film is pretty unvarnished. Sad, degenerate and vicious. No holds are barred in its recreation. The tragic crime is explored from multiple perspectives (Rashomon style) which becomes deadening after a spell. You can see what they are going for, they get there, but it ain’t an enjoyable ride. Still admirably nihilistic.

6

Perfect Double Bill: The Doors (1991)