Sometimes, I think about Mel Gibson in terms of redemption. Other times I think of the relationship between his off-screen bullshit and the movies he’s cast in*. Other times I think that he’s a reprehensible douche and I can’t understand why I cover things he’s in. Then I see something like Fatman, which should not work at all, and I remember that he’s an incredible movie star. Artists and art. What a concept.
I liked Fatman almost in spite of itself. It’s weird. I don’t think the world needed grim, gritty Santa Claus to contract with the U.S. military and also fight a hitman. At the same time I’m glad it exists; Gibson’s great in it, and he’s matched well by Walton Goggins and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and I appreciate its philosophies on Christmas and capitalism.
You can read my full review over at The Playlist.
*I still obsess over this interview less for Gibson than for Zahler’s stubborn refusal to answer questions about casting known anti-Semites in his movie, and honestly I’m still pissed at myself for letting him shame me for asking. Fuck that guy.
A Constant Visual Feast 