55. One False Move

It’s shocking to think that Carl Franklin’s film actually sat on the shelf for a whole year simply because the producer couldn’t find a distributor. Undoubtedly the brutal language and violence and the lack of established stars scared off potential investors. Fortunately, One False Move was recognized at a few independent film festivals and gained enough critical support (notably championed by late critic Gene Siskel) to avoid a “straight to video” destiny and eventually gain wider release. However, the tautly constructed drama screened in far more art house theaters than multiplexes, coming in under the radar of the general public.

Hindsight often cures such oversights, so the fact that it marks the first major lead acting role for Bill Paxton and showcases Billy Bob Thornton, who also makes his screenwriting debut here, has brought the film added attention. However, One False Move provides much more with its brilliant point of view construction and compelling characterizations on both sides of the law, making this intense crime genre gem one of the best films to come out of the 1990s. (John A. Nesbit)