Word: limey
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...Although thematically (and sometimes visually), The Limey owes much to film noir, in form it does something that perhaps no other film has done before. Not only does Soderbergh layer past, present and future through varied sequences of scenes, but he applies the same temporal distortion to sequences of individual shots. A shot of Wilson strolling past a building is replayed again and again, intercut with other shots of the avenging father contemplating his search. An uninterrupted conversation between Wilson and Elaine (Lesley Ann Warren), Jenny's former acting instructor and friend, is simultaneously played out over several disparate locations...
...While Soderbergh's technique brings such crucial themes into focus, it falters by sometimes scattering the scope of the film and jolting the audience from more traditional scenes. Otherwise, The Limey is entertaining as well as innovating. The casting of Terence Stamp and Peter Fonda, whose long and acclaimed careers have paralleled one another on either side of the Atlantic, complements the comparison and contrast of their characters in the film. Stamp's portrayal is at the same time brutal and pathetic. After being humiliated and beaten, Wilson retaliates against his attackers-however, his extreme violence reverberates as frustrated helplessness...
...interestingly enough, The Limey also manages some much-needed humor. In a minor role as a streetwise thug, Nicky Katt provides most of the film's slick comic relief. And when Wilson gets his first glimpse of Valentine, crashing the producer's house party, the results are priceless...
...left the theater, my initial evaluation of The Limey was "...interesting." But as I proceeded to tell friends to check it out, I realized films don't come out very frequently for which there is no easy reaction. Either you love it (and it was straightforward, practiced perfect entertainment) or you hate it (and it didn't capture that streamlined pulse of Hollywood). But I have to commend a director and cast who take risks in a film where risk is the point...
...surprises go, if I found a fly in my Coke, I would feel I got my money's worth with The Limey anyway...