Christina Ricciis known among audiences for more than a few cult classic movies that defined her career. From portraying Wednesday Addams in the live-action movies to playingKat Harvey inCasper, Ricci is a recognizable actor for anyone who grew up with her. Let’s not forget that watching her inSleepy Hollowis a Halloween staple. She’s now taken on TV roles in hits likeYellowjacketsand Netflix’sWednesday.
There’s no denying that, when looking at Ricci’s filmography, there are a few of her on-screen works that went under the radar. One of her movies that deserves some more attention is the 1998 comedy romanceBuffalo ‘66. Starring alongsideVincent Gallo, the movie is tagged by fans asbeing a work of art, raw, and full of complex emotions to think about.It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s worth it as one of Ricci’s more artistic movies.
What Is ‘Buffalo ‘66’ About?
Directed by and starring Gallo,Buffalo ‘66is adarkly comedic andemotionally charged indie movieabout isolation, regret, and the yearning for connection.The story follows Billy Brown (Gallo), a recently released convict who blames the Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl loss for the events that landed him in prison. Recently released from prison and desperate to impress his neglectful parents, Billy kidnaps a shy tap dancer named Layla (Ricci). He forces her to pretend to be his wife during a home visit. What begins as a tense and bizarre situation slowly evolves into a tender exploration of two emotionally damaged individuals. As they spend more time together,Layla shows compassion towards Billy, contrasting with the cold indifference of his parentsas well as the bitterness of his past.
Christina Ricci Brings Quiet Depth to ‘Buffalo ‘66’
The chaos and drama that takes place inBuffalo ‘66is thanks to how Gallo portrays his character of Billy. A man who was recently released from prison due to abet he made on a football gameand forced by the bookie to plead guilty to a crime he didn’t commit. Billy is chaotic, high-strung, emotional, and angry, and has conflicting emotions about his parents, his life, and what he plans to do as revenge for going to jail. By all accounts,Billy is an emotionally unhinged and broken person.
In comparison, Ricci shines inBuffalo ‘66for her ability tobring quiet depth to her character that speaks volumes.She brings subtlety, empathy, and emotional depth to a role that could have easily been overshadowedby the movie’s abrasive male lead. As Layla, a quiet tap dancer, is pulled into Billy’s chaotic world, Ricci conveys a soft vulnerability without ever seeming weak. Audiences think that she’s idiotic when she could simply scream for help or find a way to leave Billy. Rather than reacting in fear or hysteria to the kidnapping,she takes hold of the situation with calm detachmentthat hints at her own loneliness, like Billy.
What truly makes Ricci stand out inBuffalo ‘66is howshe becomes the unexpected emotional anchor.Her chemistry with Gallo is magneticand gives the movie its needed soul and tenderness. Through small gestures, glances, body language, and her low-spoken voice, Ricci portrays Layla as someone who looks past Billy’s pain. Their tender moments become believable. Her character is quiet and soft but powerful in her ability to be a newfound shield-like protector for Billy.
’Buffalo ’66’s Cinematography Fits the Overall Storyline of Loneliness
What helps Ricci and Gallo’s roles stand out isn’t just their acting and chemistry, butthe movie’s overall cinematography. It has a notable and distinctive raw style that fits into the movie’s emotional tone and offbeat narrative. The use of reversal film stock givesBuffalo ‘66awashed-out, high-contrast look with muted colors that mirror both Billy and Layla’s emotional stateand Buffalo’s working-class setting. You find yourself watching the movie with its bluish and gray tones and feel a subtle chill and frosty edge that enhances the storyline of detachment. One of the movie’s most resonating scenes when it comes to Layla isRicci’s tap dance sceneset to King Crimson’s “Moonchild.” Unfolding as a surreal, dreamlike interlude, it’s powerful in how it finally gives audiences an inner look into Layla’s mind, a contrast to her quiet exterior.Ricci captures her character’s longing for connection, beauty, and escape.
Buffalo ‘66is one of Ricci’s unsung gems in her filmography, beyond the cult classic characters she’s played early in her career. As Layla, she delivers a performance that’s understated yet emotionally rich. andit’s a role that showcases her range and ability to anchor a chaotic, emotionally raw story with surprising grace.
Buffalo ‘66
After being released from prison, Billy kidnaps a young dancer and forces her to pose as his wife to impress his estranged parents. As they navigate this bizarre situation, unexpected connections form, revealing the deep-rooted loneliness and pain in their lives.
