Generally speaking, actors-turned-writers-turned-directors fall into the “”stick to what you’re good at”” category. There have been some exceptions, of course. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck writing and starring in “”Good Will Hunting”” before selling out are examples. Kevin Costner with “”Dances With Wolves”” before, oh God, let’s see, “”The Postman”” and “”Waterworld”” is another. Sadly, this is not one of those exceptions.
Matt Dillon made his name in the ’80s with memorable roles in “”The Outsiders”” and “”Drugstore Cowboy,”” and as slimy tough guys in the ’90s with “”Wild Things”” and “”There’s Something About Mary.”” He maintained a certain depth and sensitivity in films such as “”Singles,”” to keep audiences attached to him. His looks didn’t hurt either.
With “”City of Ghosts,”” Dillon tries to combine his macho mugging, assumed writing and directing talent to form something memorable, or at least enjoyable. This film is neither. Dillon seems way more into his film than anyone else, providing ample enthusiasm, but his “”acting”” is hilariously overwrought in a self-glorifying, unoriginal “”sensitive tough guy”” role. The few moments of joy come from other actors, presumably talented friends of Dillon’s who owe him a favor.
The plot begins with Jimmy (Dillon), a New York con man involved in a hurricane-victim insurance scandal, fleeing the country at the prodding of the feds breathing down his neck. He travels to Cambodia to meet with his boss and partner-in-crime ,Martin (a decent James Caan), and collect his portion of the winnings. Along the way, he has to deal with shady partner Kaspar (Stellan Skarsgard), cantankerous hotel owner Emile (Gerard Depardieu, offering mild comic relief) and lying, thieving Cambodians.
Needless to say, the brothels and roving gangs provide a less-than-sympathetic view of Cambodia. Scenes such as Jimmy’s visit to a brothel to meet with someone struggle for poignancy, attempting to portray Cambodians as impoverished and exploited, but these scenes are exploitative themselves. Jimmy’s only trustworthy friend, the mindlessly docile cycle-cab driver Sok (Sereyvuth Kern), is portrayed as the “”good one”” who faithfully serves his master. His contrast comes in the form of Kaspar, another gross generalization, as the rich bitch who excessively rattles off racial slurs.
Natascha McElhone (the haunting dead girl in both “”Braveheart”” and “”Solaris””) tries her best not to overdo her paper-thin role as Sophie, a hippie-ish girl who tries to restore temples with her friends and makes time to have nighttime raves at the temples. The subplots of the love story and the temple restorations go absolutely nowhere and feel even more contrived than the rest of the film.
Like the recent film “”The Life of David Gale,”” “”City of Ghosts”” unloads a few twists to liven things up near the end. Unfortunately, also like “”David Gale,”” this film is aimless and mediocre.
City of Ghosts
***
Starring Matt Dillon, James Caan and Gerard Depardieu
In theaters May 9
Rated R
