Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead

Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is a neo-noir American crime film from 1995 that marries an ensemble cast with a picturesque backdrop of the scenic Denver landscape. Released with under the Hollywood Pictures and Miramax Films banners, the film showcases the talents of a star-studded cast including Andy Garcia, Christopher Walken, and Christopher Lloyd in a story that navigates the rough underbelly of the criminal world. Directed by Gary Fleder and written by Scott Rosenberg, the film is a hybrid of a noir thriller and a dramatic crime saga, flavored with bitter-sweet nostalgia, and moral quandary.

Hard-nosed and charismatic, Andy Garcia leads the movie as Jimmy 'The Saint' Tosnia, a suave, retired mafia middle-man who runs a successful business. He is known for his video service, "Afterlife Advice," where dying people get to record videos conveying life wisdom to their loved ones to be seen after their departure. He’s managed to extricate himself from the perilous criminal life, but as it often happens in this genre, his past is reluctant to let him go.

Christopher Walken, portraying the ominously named mob boss known as The Man with the Plan, is masterly sketched out as a wheelchair-bound, ruthless bully. His persona becomes the vital pivot around which much of the movie's plot turns. His performance, characterized by eccentric mannerisms and an icy gaze, never fails to make a chilling impression.

When The Man with the Plan ropes in Jimmy for "one last job," a simple task which in principle should help patch up a familial rupture, it is impossible for Jimmy to refuse. He assembles his old team including pieces played by a group of character actors like Christopher Lloyd, William Forsythe, Bill Nunn, and Treat Williams. They are a motley crew of thugs, each with a colorful nickname and an equally colorful personality to match.

Despite their hardened criminal exteriors, Rosenberg's script ensures there is a shared trait among these men - they are all dreamers longing for a fresh start, a clean slate, a chance at an ordinary life. As the plot thrusts forward, each one is caught in a web of crime again, with their dreams serving as the poignant motivation behind their decisions.

However, the scheme intended to be a straightforward job veers off in the wrong direction. Mr. Shhh (Steve Buscemi) enters the fray as a hitman, whose presence means certain danger. This sets the stage for an overarching narrative steeped in suspense, drama, and action, filled with unforeseen consequences and sardonic humor subtly interspersed throughout.

A significant driving force of Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead is its use of language, which is an amalgam of vintage crime lingo and invented street jargon, giving the dialogues a distinct flavor. Coupled with the stellar performances by the ensemble cast, it imbues the movie with a unique ethos that sets it apart in the crime genre.

The cinematography by Elliot Davis underscores the gloomy, melancholic atmosphere and contrasts it with the city's stunning landscapes, adding a touch of visual poetry to the narrative. The film sublimely uses noir elements attributing to its aesthetics - there are shadows of the past overlapping the present, high-contrast sequences used metaphorically to portray the difference between the 'good' and 'bad' times and moral dilemmas vividly brought to life.

In its essence, Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead is a gritty exploration of the criminal psyche, a look into regret and redemption, and a journey of a man yearning to leave his tainted past behind. But this rather grim theme also channels an emotional thread through its central characters, punctuating the storyline with moments of affection, friendship, and failed dreams.

It would be remiss not to mention the soundtrack which becomes an integral part of the film, striking all the right notes at the right time, blending harmoniously with the film's ambiance. From thought-provoking monologues to heart-pounding confrontations, the movie is a film-noir lover's delight.

In a nutshell, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead, though flavored with melancholy nostalgia and tragic destiny, carries the aura of classic crime films. It's an introspective, stylish, compelling, and unforgettable journey into the lives, dreams, and regrets of a group of men whose fate is sealed by their past actions. The resulting narrative, bolstered by profound performances and nuanced storytelling, delivers a cinematic experience well worth the while.