Buffalo '66 (1998)

The film is an idiosyncratic study in American miserabilism and the redemption of a beautiful loser, destined for cult status. It supplies an antidote to indie film’s fixation on killer couple road films, with a tentative, petrified holding of hands as its most transgressive act.

Gallo's directorial debut is an eccentric, provocative comedy that blends a poignant love story with sombre naturalism and surreal musical elements. The critic praises the film's personal, deeply felt story and its innovative, individual film grammar.

The film is an interesting collision of half-baked visual ideas and urgent personal need, with an astonishing performance by Christina Ricci. It features improvisational, unconventional storytelling focused on family wounds and quirky sequences rather than conventional plot payoffs.

The critic finds the film generally enjoyable but faults Vincent Gallo's ego-driven storytelling and the implausible central romance. Flashes of genuine grimness and indie influences are noted as strengths amid the flaws.

Gallo's compelling debut as writer-director blends grit and romanticism in a story of an ex-con craving parental approval after prison. It is alternately satirical and romantic, full of pain and humor, with striking images and a terrific instinct for mixing reality and fantasy.

The critic finds Buffalo '66 an intriguing but ultimately disappointing directorial debut from Vincent Gallo, filled with flashy stylistic touches that outshine its substance. The film is faulted for grotesque caricatures in place of real characters and a thinly realized central relationship that feels contrived.

The critic calls it an alarmingly good writer-directorial debut that is disarmingly charming, perceptive, very funny and hugely original, even making the bungled-kidnap plot work. They single out the superb set-pieces and the chemistry between Gallo and Ricci for particular praise.

Gallo's deadpan original mixes pathos with bravado as a volatile ex-con kidnaps a tap dancer to pose as his wife for a nightmarish family visit. Cool stark compositions and a strong cast give the autobiographical film a memorable look despite occasional narrative lulls.

An impressive but irritating first film that exudes honest emotion and ego, with generous acting turns and unexpected humor undermined by digressive and off-putting material. Ricci delivers a standout performance in this sweet-natured low-budgeter that faces obstacles to wider acceptance.

The critic finds the film watchable thanks to Gallo's energy, Ricci's sweetness, lively dialogue and its rough originality, despite being far from flawless. It has a unique quality and a blazing impact as a fable about dysfunctional characters seeking love.