Mad Dog Time

Mad Dog Time, also known as Trigger Happy, is an American crime comedy film released in 1996. The film was directed by Larry Bishop, which was his directorial debut. The Franco-American film stars Michael J. Pollard, Gabriel Byrne, and Henry Silva. It also features an ensemble cast comprising of various renowned actors and actresses like Richard Dreyfuss, Jeff Goldblum, Ellen Barkin, Diane Lane, and Burt Reynolds.

Mad Dog Time is set against a stylised version of the mob landscape and provides a potent mix of comedy, thriller, and action. The film's narrative is a layered portrayal of a crime syndicate where loyalty, double-cross, and power play are everyday business. It is filled with sharp dialogues, dramatic scenes, and unexpected twists that keep viewers enticed.

The film revolves around the life of mob boss Vic, played by Richard Dreyfuss, who is released from a psychiatric hospital where he was interred for an unspecified mental health issue. The story progresses as Vic attempts to reclaim his power and territory while maintaining his sanity. The charismatic Gabriel Byrne plays Ben London, Vic's loyal right-hand man, responsible for keeping the ship afloat while Vic was incapacitated. He is devoted, level-headed, and handles chaos with the ease of a seasoned mobster.

Michael J. Pollard and Henry Silva play noteworthy roles in the story. Pollard fills the role of Red Mash, a quirky hitman with his individual sense of style and unpredictability, providing an increased element of unforeseen danger. Silva, on the other hand, plays an old rival mob boss, Sleepy Joe Carlisle, who is eager to exploit Vic’s moment of weakness.

Jeff Goldblum masterfully plays the character of Mickey Holliday, the symbolic triggerman, caught in a tangled web of love and loyalty. Mickey was Vic's stand-in during his absence and now faces the prospect of elimination, as he leaves a trail of lovers in his wake, notably the exquisite Grace Everly, portrayed by Diane Lane, and Rita Everly, played by Ellen Barkin. They are duelling nightclub singers and sisters, desperately in love with Mickey. Juxtaposing the danger with glamour and charm, Lane and Barkin are incredibly impressive with their performances.

Adding an extra flair to the ensemble cast, Burt Reynolds fits into the mix in a memorable guest role as "Wacky" Jacky Jackson, another rival boss gearing up to seize this opportunity to control Vic’s empire.

Mad Dog Time thrives on fast-paced dialogues and is built around the clash of loyalties, explosive confrontations, and dark humour, invoking a surreal and dreamlike world of gangsters. Even though loaded with violence, the film successfully avoids being graphic, maintaining a tone of lightness.

The film’s setting remains largely confined to nocturnal interiors, which creates an extra layer of intensity and grimness. The cinematography is indeed a well-crafted piece with striking visual aesthetics that perfectly capture the tension and intrigue of the underworld. The spots of neon lights, smoky interiors, and a sharply dressed cast create a distinguished visual narrative that matches well with the overall vibe of the film. The film's score also does a brilliant job in enhancing the thriller vibe and setting the mood of the scenes.

Mad Dog Time, with a nod to classic gangster movie tropes and an undercurrent of humour, presents a unique blend of crime and comedy. For viewers with a taste for stylised Mob dramas, this film provides an interesting take on the genre with its unusual mix of dark comedy and crime.