Buffalo '66

1998 Comedy Drama

Actor Vincent Gallo (The Funeral, Palookaville) made his feature directorial debut with this drama about convict Billy Brown (Gallo), released after half a decade spent behind bars. Drifting into downtown Buffalo, Billy kidnaps teen Layla (Christina Ricci) and has her pose as his loving wife when he visits his parents (Ben Gazzara and Anjelica Huston). Layla praises him and goes along with his fanciful tale that they met at CIA headquarters, where they both worked. Mom and dad not only fall for this, they are entranced by Layla, who soon begins to embellish her act. When she claims to be pregnant by Billy, he hustles her out to a bowling alley and on to a restaurant, where they run into trampy Wendy (Rosanna Arquette), who might be Billy's former girlfriend. Eventually, Billy seems ready to track down and kill the person he feels was responsible for his five years in the slammer. Shown at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. more..

Director: Vincent Gallo

Starring: Vincent Gallo, Christina Ricci,Ben Gazzara,Anjelica Huston, Mickey Rourke

Reviews

  • All bets are off. For my money, Vincent Gallo wins the Triple Crown of indie filmmaking -- for writing, directing and starring in Buffalo '66.

    Bob Graham - The San Francisco Chronicle

    19 January 2013

  • It's all somehow both familiar and dazzling, just as Ricci's kidnapped tap student, forced to pose as the protagonist's wife for his horrifically indifferent parents, is somehow both nondescript and heartbreaking.

    - Entertainment Weekly

    19 January 2013

  • Alternately satirical and romantic, full of pain and humor, Buffalo '66 is a winner.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

  • Cool, stark compositions and the occasional audacious visual trick give Buffalo '66 a memorable look even when its narrative enters the occasional uneventful stretch.

    Elvis Mitchell - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • Personal and private almost to the point of self-absorption, the film is ultimately saved from neurotic narcissism by the director's self-deprecating humor and unapologetic honesty about his own dysfunction.

    Michael O'Sullivan - The Washington Post

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Best Foreign Film - English Language

    British Independent Film Awards (1999)

     
  • Best Actress

    Chlotrudis Awards (1999)

     
  • Vincent Gallo

    Deauville Film Festival (1998)

     
  • Best Supporting Actress

    Florida Film Critics Circle Awards (1999)

  • Best Feature

    Gijón International Film Festival (1998)