| Special Features: |
- Booklet (40 pages) contains essays by Jourdain Searles, Keith Phipps, and Justin LaLiberty.
- Commentary features film historian Alain Silver and filmmaker Christopher Coppola.
- "A Thousand Miles from Nowhere" (26:33, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director John Dahl, who shares his introduction to noir films, using that inspiration to bring "Red Rock West" to life. The formation of the script is recalled, with influences coming from all places, helping to shape the mistaken identity plot and unusual characters. The interviewee walks though story points, recalling the turns of the writing, also identifying characterizations along the way. Casting is highlighted, including a mistake with Dennis Hopper, who was originally meant to play a different part, only to fall in love with Lyle, forcing a happy change on the production. Thespian quirks with Nicolas Cage are also identified. Stunt work is celebrated, helping to add some action to the production, and locations are identified, with Dahl building a few sequences from multiple places. The helmer closes with a mention of a deleted scene.
- "Neon and Dust" (17:17, HD) is an interview with co-writer Rick Dahl, who shares his moviegoing upbringing, getting into the world of spaghetti westerns, merging fandom with his brother, John, and his love of noir. Casting is examined, with Bridget Fonda and Matt Dillon first imagined in the lead roles. Nicolas Cage's commitment to the part and its cinematic influences is identified, and Dahl shares casting tales for Lara Flynn Boyle and Dwight Yoakam. Shooting locations are examined, with the cemetery finale shot inside an airplane hangar. The interviewee analyzes Michael's arc, struggling to find an ideal end for the character, and he shares some memories of post-production choices and forced reshoots.
- Interview (21:48, HD) is a video conference discussion of "Red Rock West" with editor Scott Chestnut. Topics include an initial connection with director John Dahl, the editor's work with film and video, his experience on "Red Rock West," creative choices, the initial cancellation of the theatrical release, and the picture's cult longevity.
- "Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures" (13:46, HD) is a video essay by Chris O'Neill.
- "Caged In" (9:19, HD) is a video essay by Petros Patsilivas.
|
