HomeReviewsThe Best Movies You’ve Never Heard Of: “The Woman Chaser” (1999)

The Best Movies You’ve Never Heard Of: “The Woman Chaser” (1999)

“The Woman Chaser” is a darkly comedic film released in 1999 and directed by Robinson Devor. Based on Charles Willeford’s novel of the same name, the movie offers a unique and satirical exploration of the American dream, capitalism, and the pursuit of success.

Set in the 1960s, the film follows Richard Hudson, played by Patrick Warburton, a used car salesman with aspirations of making it big in the film industry.

The narrative unfolds as Richard becomes increasingly obsessed with directing his avant-garde movie, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

“The Woman Chaser” is known for its distinct visual style, blending black-and-white cinematography with inventive storytelling techniques, making it a compelling and offbeat cinematic experience.

Robinson Devor’s directorial vision brings a touch of surrealism to the narrative, capturing the dark humor and absurdity of Richard’s journey into the heart of the Hollywood dream.

Devor’s creative choices and the film’s unconventional narrative contribute to its status as a cult classic that resonates with those drawn to unconventional storytelling and social commentary.

Also Read More: Next Level Chef Brittany Khamille Divorce News Viral In Tiktok: Kids And Husband

“The Woman Chaser” (1999): Reviving the Forgotten Gem of Pulp Adaptations

The roots of film noir can be traced back to the pulp magazine fiction of the 1920s and 30s and novels by iconic writers like Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, James M. Cain, and Cornell Woolrich.

The accidental birth of the film noir genre occurred when John Huston, then a screenwriter, decided to faithfully adapt Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” for his directorial debut in 1941.

The success of this adaptation inspired other studios to delve into adapting pulp novels for the screen.

However, the works of later pulp writers from the 40s and 50s, such as Dorothy B. Hughes, Jim Thompson, and Charles Willeford, posed a challenge due to their complex first-person narratives centered around psychotic protagonists.

Robinson Devor, an independent director, successfully met this challenge with his little-known 1999 adaptation of Willeford’s 1960 novel, “The Woman Chaser.”

Despite a limited release and subsequent disappearance from circulation, the film has found a new lease on life through online streaming platforms.

Willeford was a World War II veteran-turned-writer whose work had been filmed twice before, Monte Hellman’s Cockfighter (1974) and George Armitage’s Miami Blues (1990, based on the first of Willeford’s Hoke Moseley novels).

Both films have much to recommend, but neither came as close to capturing Willeford’s style as Devor’s The Woman Chaser.

The Woman Chaser coming in the internet
The Woman Chaser coming in the internet

As Jesse Sublett quoted in an online article, Willeford’s widow Betsy concisely articulated what makes Devor’s film stand out from the other film versions of her husband’s work: “I like it best of the three adaptations.

It’s uncommercial, the way the book was, and has the courage of its outrageousness.”

As Huston did with Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, Devor wrote the screenplay himself, observing scrupulous fidelity to his source, faithfully duplicated the novel’s story structure scene-for-scene, and taking all of the dialogue almost verbatim from the book.

Devor also retained the novel’s original setting and period, Los Angeles circa 1960.

Devor had only one previous film, Angelyne (1995), a documentary about actress and model Angyline Angelyne, under his belt when he decided to make his “real” filmmaking debut with an adaptation of The Woman Chaser.

In an interview with Dan Lybarger for Nitrate Online, Devor recounted how he obtained a second-hand copy of Willeford’s novel from a couple who sold old mystery and crime books out of their home in Redondo Beach.

Jason Patric was Devor’s first choice for the leading role, Richard Hudson. Still, when Patric wasn’t available, he gladly went with Patrick Warburton because he said, “I knew that we would never get anyone closer with physique and comic delivery than this guy.”

“The Woman Chaser” Plot Summary: Ambitious but Sociopathic Used Car Dealer Turned Filmmaker

In “The Woman Chaser,” Richard Hudson, the sociopathic protagonist and first-person narrator, transitions from a representative of “Honest Hal” in San Francisco to starting an Honest Hal franchise in Los Angeles.

Exploiting a rundown car lot, he orchestrates a Santa Claus-themed marketing stunt to boost sales.

Simultaneously reconnecting with his estranged family, including his retired ballerina mother, Richard faces a personal crisis, realizing the emptiness of his own life.

Driven by a desire to create something meaningful, he ventures into filmmaking, conceiving a low-budget movie titled “The Man Who Got Away.”

However, when the studio demands additional footage to meet the standard 90-minute runtime.

Richard vehemently resists, setting the stage for a self-destructive turn of events that takes a toll on those he perceives as betraying him.

The film explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the consequences of artistic compromise.

Devor not only accurately captured the details of the period of 1960, including costumes, cars, props, and locations, but

But, with the help of Kramer Morgenthau’s black-and-white widescreen cinematography, he also successfully recreated the aesthetic of low-budget independent films from that era.

Contributing further to the period authenticity was Daniele Luppi’s music score, featuring recordings by jazz artists like Les Baxter, Chico O’Farrell, Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Brubeck, Tito Puente, and Jimmy Smith.

Typical of Willeford’s literary style, much of his novel “The Woman Chaser” delves into the inner workings of Richard Hudson’s psyche, featuring extensive soliloquies.

Devor retained many of these monologues, presenting them visually to represent Richard’s cinematic perspective metaphorically.

Some monologues are delivered as voice-overs accompanying the action or close-ups of Richard, bathed in the backlight of a movie projector, providing a halo-like glow.

Other monologues feature Richard in a dark room, breaking the fourth wall and directly addressing the audience, with the turning reels of a 16mm projector framing him in the foreground.

Given that the narrative unfolds entirely from Richard Hudson’s point of view, Patrick Warburton appears in every scene and delivers what can be considered the performance of his career.

Those familiar with Warburton from sitcoms like “Seinfeld” and “Rules of Engagement” will find a revelation in “The Woman Chaser.”

Stars of All the King's Men
Stars of All the King’s Men

Warburton’s strength lies in his understated portrayal, avoiding the over-the-top approach often associated with characters of this nature.

He portrays Richard as a simmering time bomb, a passive-aggressive individual barely containing his inner turmoil and frustration behind a façade of macho coolness.

In an interview with Jeffrey M. Anderson for Combustible Celluloid, Warburton shared his perspective on the character: “He’s just a barbaric, self-serving ass. There’s something very boyish about Hudson.

He’s dangerous and scares you, but then there are times when he’s just like a pathetic little boy.

Maybe that’s why you can empathize with him a little bit, ’cause you see what a pathetic creature he is and how lost he is.”

Casting and Reception of “The Woman Chaser”

In the casting of “The Woman Chaser,” Robinson Devor deliberately opted for non-experienced actors, steering clear of seasoned professionals.

As explained in an interview with Dan Lybarger, his rationale was to counter the prevalent trend of actors appearing overly polished and glamorous, a look he deemed inappropriate for his film set in the 1960s.

Devor aimed for a contrast, wanting his protagonist, Hudson, to be surrounded by characters with flaws and eccentricities.

This decision aligned with the narrative, where Richard Hudson, in the movie he directs within the story, insists on casting unknown actors to maintain authenticity.

The director’s preference for non-actors, particularly evident in Paul Malevich’s portrayal of Leo, contributed to an on-set atmosphere that allowed for genuine and unselfconscious performances.

Despite a limited release in select cities in 2000, including New York, LA, Austin, and San Francisco, “The Woman Chaser” did not receive a widespread national release.

Some reviewers, including Stephen Holder of the New York Times, initially dismissed it as a “film noir spoof,” a characterization later challenged by critics appreciating its nuanced blend of dark humor within the film noir genre.

Richard Hudson in The Woman Chaser
Richard Hudson in The Woman Chaser

Over the years, the movie has garnered respect and cultivated a cult following, with Film Noir of the Week’s Kim Morgan praising it for remaining faithful to its genre while offering a uniquely understated experience.

The ongoing debate between streaming and physical media remains inconclusive, but for hidden gems like “The Woman Chaser,” streaming platforms have provided an avenue for rediscovery.

Despite its initial challenges, the film has found a second life, celebrated for its seedy yet faithful adherence to the film noir genre.

As the movie gains appreciation, there’s a lingering anticipation for a DVD and Blu-Ray release to further secure its place in cinematic history.

Also Read More: What Happened To Rajon Rondo? Retired News Gone Viral

Ashish Dahal
Ashish Dahal
Ashish is a prolific content writer, blends with the creativity with precision in his writing. His work, characterized by clarity and engaging storytelling has gathered a loyal readership. His passion for words fuels his constant pursuit of excellence.

Expertise: Anime Reviews Genre-Specific Blogs

Highlights

  • Ability to research on different topics to generate engaging content.
  • Proficient in writing informative content.
  • Analytical skills to interpret the content.
  • Experience

    Ashish Dahal has combined his interests and content writing. Through his work, he showcases enthusiasm and ability to deliver captivating content consistently. Ashish's writing demonstrates his passion for storytelling and content creation.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

- Advertisment -