Wrong Guys
Adapted from a novella by James Strahs (the author of “Queer and Alone”, as well as the Wooster Group’s play, “North Atlantic”), this unfinished 1997 film from the Wooster Group was first shown as part of the 1997 Whitney Biennial. Aside from a screening as part of Anthology’s tribute to the Group in 2012, it has rarely been seen since. A tale of smuggling and survivalists that adopts the tone and visual style of film noir, but with a narrative logic all its own, it stars Willem Dafoe as Jack Straw, a small-time operator who ran a “pharmaceutical outfit” before an accident changed everything. A rare instance of an extended moving-image work by the Wooster Group that was created independently of their theatrical productions, WRONG GUYS is a fascinating and little-seen work. — Anthology Film Archives
Insights
Plot Summary
Three unlikely friends, two Australian and one New Zealander, embark on a dangerous adventure through the treacherous mountains of Papua New Guinea. They are on a quest to find a legendary lost city, but their journey quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival as they encounter hostile tribes and treacherous terrain.
Critical Reception
Wrong Guys was a modest box office success and received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its adventurous spirit and scenic cinematography, others found the plot to be predictable and the characters underdeveloped. Audiences generally enjoyed the action sequences and the exotic setting.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its adventurous premise and visual appeal of the Papua New Guinea landscape.
- Criticized for a formulaic plot and less-than-compelling character development.
- Appreciated by some for its blend of action and comedy, though not universally acclaimed.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented, but it generally falls into the category of a fun, albeit forgettable, adventure film.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in the stunning, yet challenging, landscapes of Papua New Guinea, adding an authentic element to the perilous journey depicted.
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