Snake Eyes (1998)

The lengthy opening scene is superb logistical work by all concerned and lets us know that we’re in for a real spectacle. Viewing it is like being a kid at the circus, waiting for the next exotic eye-opener to waltz into the ring.
The story happens mostly in one vast Atlantic City arena. Nic Cage is a less than perfect detective investigating an assassination. Through his questioning we experience the murder more than once, the same moment in time as seen from many eyes, the different angles and agendas completing the whole.
Cage keeps his madness to an acceptable level and the picture’s momentum at a heightened one. It falls apart in the last third, leading to a badly muddled ending, but the first hour is pure class.

4 bloody notes out of 5