Strange Days

REVIEW
Full of visceral thrills from start to finish, this slam-bang, hallucinatory thriller set on the eve of the new millennium stars Fiennes as Lenny, a former policeman who peddles virtual reality discs containing the experiences of others. However, when one of his clients is murdered, Lenny becomes involved in an out-of-control pursuit to find her murderer, track a serial killer, and expose a police cover-up of a racially motivated murder. Bassett is Mace, a bodyguard and friend who helps Lenny, and occasionally acts as moral compass. Their performances help immeasurably in giving the film an intelligence and passion which clearly elevates this actioner much the same way Sigourney Weaver and cast propelled Aliens. Bigelow's direction, in fact, is reminiscent of that film, where one exciting scene is followed by another. There is, however, a brutal rape sequence which could offend many viewers. Written by James Cameron.