Bringing Out the Dead

This by far most underrated Martin Scorsese film takes its name from, of all things, a Monty Python sketch. 

Frank Pierce (Nicolas Cage, in one of his best performances) is a New York City paramedic working night shifts in Hell's Kitchen. You might say he's under a lot of stress. He struggles with the constant exposure to senseless death and suffering, and the seemingly impossible task of saving lives. "Bringing Out the Dead" is a visceral exploration of that trauma as Frank's stress disorders and insomnia lead to hallucinations and flashbacks. 

Scorsese's signature style is on full display in this film, with its gritty urban setting, frenetic pace, and intense close-ups. The director captures the claustrophobic atmosphere of the ambulance and the chaotic energy of the streets. The film's visual language is a nightmarish reflection Pierce's deteriorating mental state. This isn't a relaxing film.

Cage delivers a powerful performance as this man overwhelmed who begs his boss to fire him on a daily basis. The supporting cast, including John Goodman and Ving Rhames, also delivers strong performances.

"Bringing Out the Dead" is at it's heart a meditation on life and the human condition. Those who appreciate Scorsese's style and are willing to delve into a dark world will find it rewarding. This was one of the best films of 1999, an extremely strong year for movies.

"Don't make me take off me sunglasses."