Bad Times at the El Royal (2018)

[tennisgurl]

The El Royale is run-down hotel that sits on the border between California and Nevada. It soon becomes a seedy battleground when seven strangers -- a cleric, a soul singer, a traveling salesman, two sisters, the manager and the mysterious Billy Lee -- converge on a fateful night for one last shot at redemption before everything goes wrong.

[Shannon L.]

I really liked this movie.  It looked great and the acting was solid all around.  At first, I was really confused by the timeline, but after it was over, I googled the time line for things like the Vietnam war (I'd forgotten the exact dates that it started and ended--I just remembered 60s and 70s) and the hippie movement and it started to fall into place. 

It was a little more violent than I expected. 

They left a couple of things dangling:  Who was the boss,  who did Laramie work for and who was on the tape?  My best guesses were that the mob owned the hotel and wanted the tapes for bribes and that Laramie worked for the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover (I checked that timeline, too--it fits).  It didn't matter who was on the tape--I'm sure it was a famous politician or activist. 

I'm not sure if it's Oscar worthy for any of the big awards, except maybe Jeff Bridges for acting. While I thought they were all really good, his performance was fantastic, imo.  But I'd love to see it nominated for Set Design.  It's not as flashy as the ones that usually get nominated--the ones that take place in the 20s or earlier or the futuristic ones--but, I think it's worthy of a nomination.

I went in unsure because the trailers really didn't tell you anything except that it was going to be dark and mysterious, but all in all, I was happy with it.

Edited October 17, 2018 by Shannon L.

[MrsR]

Really liked it. The production design was faboo. The set was almost another character.

 

RFK on the film. He was dead. Miles met him and he was nice to Miles so it couldn't be JFK. Possibly MLK but what would he be doing in a mob hotel out west.  So I think it was RFK.

Mob owned the hotel.

Hamm worked for the FBI, he called Hoovers office.  The other bugs were probably CIA. The mob had the rooms wired differently.

 

My heart broke for Emily. Her attempts were all a waste. Her sister was a psycho.

Really surprised with what happened in the end with who Miles really was. He was so guilt ridden.

[calliope1975]

I really liked this, too. I was bummed to find the soundtrack doesn't include Cynthia Erivo's singing which was just gorgeous. I also thought she was the highlight of the film. Hemsworth's torso and abs were a character all on their own. I was thinking of both RFK and MLK but leaning towards RFK being on the film. 

Miles looked so much like Tom Holland I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't him. Turns out he's Bill Pullman's kid. 

I saw the first trailer, decided I was going to see the movie, and didn't see anything after that. I apparently forgot everything in the first trailer because I was surprised when Jeff Bridges showed up. I think it was better that I didn't have any hint of what was going to happen. It made the movie more fun. 

[Shannon L.]

41 minutes ago, calliope1975 said:

 

Miles looked so much like Tom Holland I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't him. Turns out he's Bill Pullman's kid. 

 

I thought he looked like a very young Victor Garber, but now that I hear that he's Bill Pullman's son, I can totally see it. He was really good.

[Wouldofshouldof]

Yeah, he has Pullman's lips, lol.  I loved it.  Solid storytelling.

[AimingforYoko]

5 hours ago, MrsR said:

My heart broke for Emily. Her attempts were all a waste. Her sister was a psycho.

Emily was no picnic herself. She killed the G-man without a second thought and I thought it was heavily implied she killed dad. (Not that he didn't have it coming, but still.)

[tennisgurl]

This felt very retro, and not even just in the way that it was a period piece. It felt like a lot of those cool movies that came out in the wake of Pulp Fiction in the 90s, that really played around with time, perspective, and genre, and had all these larger than life characters all crashing into each other. I was excited back when I saw the trailer, and I loved it. You can tell that the filmmakers really love the time period they were playing with (late 60s) and I love how every character seemed to almost represent a different aspect of that time period, especially in pop culture. Aspiring Motown singer, CIA spy, aging crook, drug addled Vietnam vet, Manson family, etc, and we got to see them all in this one place. 

The El Royal was really cool looking, and really made me want to invest in an old time jukebox! I do hope that they at least get some set design nominations, if not wins. The location was just as important to the feel of the movie as the story was. 

I also liked that, while the movie had plenty of twists and surprises, there wasn't any huge twist, like I wondered that there would be. Like, everyone wasn't in on some plan to rob the place, or the hotel wasn't purgatory or anything, the way some movies with nonlinear stories do. The story was decently straightforward, even though we still had a lot of unanswered questions, especially about the El Royal. We can assume that management video tapes famous people for blackmail purposes, but was there another reason, that got the CIA interested, beyond that? Who was in the film reel? But I was alright with that. I was thinking MLK or RFK, but we dont really know.

Music was also great, and Cynthia Erivo has an amazing voice! Really, it was a great cast overall, they all really carried their own sections of the story well, and played the various aspects of their characters convincingly. Poor Emily. She might not have been a great person, killing the g-man who was just trying to stop what he thought was a kidnapping, but she really loved her sister, who was clearly too far gone into the cult. Speaking of, Chris Hemsworth is always really great, and its super fun to see him in a role like this. Its weird to see him in a villain part, but he really nailed it, abs and crazy eyes and evil dancing and all. I could totally buy him as a super charismatic pseudo-philosophical Charles Manson type that came out of the dark side of the late 60s hippie culture. 

[calliope1975]

I did feel bad when Emily was shot and she looked at her sister only to receive an uninterested dead eyed stare in return.

I read in EW that Cynthia Erivo and Drew Goddard added Darlene's speech to Billy Lee. I really liked that she called him out and he knew she knew he was a pathetic little man. Even if he doubled down on the crazy after. 

[Advance35]

I honestly didn't feel bad for Emily.  She killed the Federal Agent, planned to kill Miles because he was a witness and God knows what else she's done since killing a witness to her murder didn't make her quail.  

I consider Rose, very much a villain right along with Billy Lee.  Quite a few people died because of her.   I know she's been brainwashed but still.  She's a lost cause.  Emily knew about those other people Rose killed and was still trying to help her.

Chris Hemsworth........There. Are. No. Words.  Those ABS.  His wife is one lucky Lady.  You'd never get me off him.  The actor has such a charm and warmth to him, it made the sinister motives of Billy Lee even more chilling.

That scene where Father Flynn and Darlene were talking about his memory loss was amazing.   And what followed made me jump out of my seat.

The hidden passageways, the cult, the rain storm, it was one hell of a night.

Awesome movie.

[MrsR]

With all due respect that Federal Agent broke down her door and assaulted her and then began to take her sister. He didn't announce that he was an officer of the law. She thought he was probably one of Billy Lee's minions. 

If some guy broke into my room and assaulted me I would have shot him as well. She was remorseful that she accidentally shot Miles. She could have finished him off then and there.  

Edited October 18, 2018 by MrsR

[Advance35]

7 hours ago, MrsR said:

With all due respect that Federal Agent broke down her door and assaulted her and then began to take her sister. He didn't announce that he was an officer of the law. She thought he was probably one of Billy Lee's minions. 

If some guy broke into my room and assaulted me I would have shot him as well. She was remorseful that she accidentally shot Miles. She could have finished him off then and there.  

She was planning to murder Miles because he was a witness.  When she had him tied up in the lounge and her gremlin of a sister was swinging from the chandelier.  And she was entertaining the idea of doing the same to Darlene and Father Flynn.  For me she was a tier below Billy Lee and Rose.   Well played (not familiar with the actress) but too ruthless for me to empathize with.

[Bruinsfan]

You could tell Emily's hopes crashed the same moment Miles' did when Rose announced their names upon hearing he didn't know them. I think she probably would have gone through with killing him after that, but she clearly wanted to be talked out of the necessity until that was no longer possible.

I wish Darlene had said something about her song being for Father Flynn because he DID deserve to hear it, or for herself and the joy of singing, rather than fearfully giving in to the hope that Billy Lee would let her live rather than using her compliance to assert power over her. But I suppose it's all too human to grasp at any last glimmer of hope in that sort of situation.

[coppersin]

"I'm bored." Darlene's speech to Billy in a calm, even, I am done wasting my emotions on men's bullshit tone was perfection. I'm not familiar with Cynthia Erivo but she sold that scene. And her singing was gorgeous. I'm not usually a fan of singing in non-musicals because to me it tends to feel indulgent or shoehorned in, but every time she sang it was perfection.

Really, the entire cast was excellent. And the set, too.

[thuganomics85]

Finally saw this before it heads out of my area.  Not surprised that it ended up fizzling out at the box office, but I can see this finding an audience later in its life.  Wasn't a perfect film as I think Drew Goddard's writing was quite as sharp as he wanted it to be (he made up for it with his direction, at least), and I do think the film's length might have done more harm then good, but I enjoyed all of the twists, character interactions, and everything just going to hell at the end when Billy Lee showed up.

Gold star on the casting, to say the least.  Jeff Bridges was perfect as Flynn, Jon Hamm seemed to be having fun playing a southern-fried version of Don Draper in the beginning (before we find out who he really was), Dakota Johnson brought a lot to Emily, and Chris Hemsworth seem to be having the time of his life using his natural charisma and charm (and hatred for shirts, apparently) for evil (yeah, he was basically Charles Manson, if Manson looked like Thor.)  But it was the two cast members I wasn't very familiar with that really impressed me.  Lewis Pullman did an excellent job at starting out as the wimpy, almost comedic bellhop, but then showing there was so much more to him at the end.  And then there was Cynthia Erivo, who was just a goddamn powerhouse here, and more then held her own opposite of the bigger names.  Darlene's speech to Billy Lee was easily my favorite part.  Really can't wait to see her in Widows as well (which also looks excellent.)

My two cents on the Emily debate: I don't blame her for killing Jon Hamm's character, since he did burst in without identifying himself, and she probably thought he was one of Billy Lee's lackey.  That said, I did get the impression she was prepared to kill Darlene and Flyn unprovoked, so she wasn't really an innocent in my eyes.  Still, her death was pretty brutal, especially with her last moments being her see her sister not even flinch over her dying.  In the end, nothing she did mattered, and her sister continue to be enthralled by Billy Lee until her own death.

Goddard must also be fan of Parks & Recreation, since he had both Nick Offerman and Jim O'Heir in minor roles.  Also got a kick out of seeing Shea Whigham, because I also saw him in First Man earlier today as well.  He's everywhere!

Again, I'm curious to see if this will end up finding a bigger audience later on.

[nicepebbles]

Saw this movie a few months back and forgot to post. I liked it. As has been mentioned already, the casting was great. My favorites being Chris Hemsworth, Cynthia Erivo, and Lewis Pullman. To look at Hemsworth is to assume he's costing on this looks. He nailed it as this Manson-type. Cynthia Erivo can sing! Act, too, yet that voice got me every time. I really felt for Pullman's character. He truly convinced me in every scene he was in. They really brought a lot to their roles, which admittedly they had a lot to work with. 

I didn't love the movie because I kept waiting for it to come together, for there to be a point to it all, other than kind a slice of life of these people just happen to wind up in the same place together. From the beginning, at least to me, it felt like that's what should've happened. So as good as it was, it felt indulgent, no real point. The running time didn't help. The unanswered questions didn't help matters (what was on the tape? what was in those blankets Darlene had?). Like I said though, I liked it. The acting was great. I loved the look and the hotel being a character itself (like this place should really exist). 

[Shannon L.]

I really wish this movie was getting some love from the various organizations who give out awards.  I thought the sets and costuming alone deserved some recognition. 

[coppersin]

I don't think this film will win given the long list of contenders this year, but at least one Oscar nom would be a nice nod. It really does deserve something.

14 hours ago, nicepebbles said:

The unanswered questions didn't help matters (what was on the tape? what was in those blankets Darlene had?). 

Saw this in theater months ago so we may be talking about two different things, but if you're talking about the blanket bundles she pulled from the trunk of her car, there wasn't anything in them. She was pinning blankets to the walls of her room to muffle her singing (presumably so she wouldn't disturb her neighbors).

[nicepebbles]

Thanks, coppersin.  That was what I was talking about. I don't remember that. At least one question answered. 

[AnnieHeights]

21 hours ago, nicepebbles said:

The unanswered questions didn't help matters (what was on the tape? what was in those blankets Darlene had?

I think the tapes were alluded to be JFK Jr. in a compromising situation.  I think they purposefully left it up to the viewer as to who/what was on them........

I loved this movie and thought it had a bit of a Pulp Fiction flair to it.

Just now, AnnieHeights said:

I think the tapes were alluded to be JFK Jr. in a compromising situation

I meant JFK (not Jr.)

[Shannon L.]

1 hour ago, AnnieHeights said:

I think the tapes were alluded to be JFK Jr. in a compromising situation.  I think they purposefully left it up to the viewer as to who/what was on them........

I figured it was either JFK, Bobby Kennedy or MLK. 

[nicepebbles]

Would it be MLK? Did he ever travel that far west? I think JFK or Bobby are more likely.  

[SherriAnt]

I want to know how old Rosie was supposed to be. I'm thinking the 13-16 range, just because that's prime runaway/Romeo and Juliet phase age. 

[Joimiaroxeu]

Just caught this on DVD and am wondering why this was never on my radar when it was in theaters. I don't recall ever even seeing trailers for this. The main reason I checked it out from the library is because the cast looked so interesting.

Stellar acting all around though I was less impressed with Chris Hemsworth's character. The main point with him seemed to be showing off the abs but that little dance he did was everything.

[Hanahope]

Has to be RFK in the film.  The movie is set in 1969 time frame, and the film was shot a year earlier per Miles.

Next time, John Hamm, listen to your boss.  Emily sure had a trigger finger.  

How in the world did Billy Lee get from Malibu to Lake Tahoe in just a couple hours?  Not to mention the coincidence of Billy’s goons knowing to wait right outside room 5.  

Have to laugh that the FBI and CIA(?) were bugging Room 1, but no one considered two way mirrors or that others didn’t know about indiscretions at the hotel.  

[raven]

On 6/14/2019 at 3:55 PM, Joimiaroxeu said:

The main point with him seemed to be showing off the abs but that little dance he did was everything.

Ha, definitely.  When he was doing his bad guy talk talk talking, it slowed the movie down.

That's really my only complaint.  I was hooked right from the beginning and invested.  Showing the Jon Hamm shooting scene from different character points of view was really well done.  I wasn't sure how everything was going to turn out, which is a plus for me.  I do think there was a feeling about the movie of starting with a good, compelling idea and not really knowing how to wrap it up.  I was pleased that we got a somewhat upbeat ending since I was not expecting that.

The performances were all good, with Jeff Bridges and Cynthia Erivo standing out.   The hotel setting was the best character though - the decor, the jukebox, the musical choices, the creepy peepers' hallway.  I guess the moral of the story is:  cover your motel room mirrors, people!

[Joimiaroxeu]

Quote

Has to be RFK in the film.  The movie is set in 1969 time frame, and the film was shot a year earlier per Miles.

I'm still going back on forth on whether it was RFK or MLK. They made it seem like there were people who would pay big money to get that tape so they could bury it. Other than the Kennedys, I don't see anyone caring as much about RFK's memory getting besmirched. But I also don't see why MLK would've been hanging out in a random motel in Lake Tahoe.

[Enigma X]

I personally don’t think it was anybody. I think the movie employed the tactic only to make people speculate in forums like these or after watching the movie. Sort of like choose your own adventure. It was just a plot point.

[Joimiaroxeu]

Quote

I personally don’t think it was anybody. I think the movie employed the tactic only to make people speculate in forums like these or after watching the movie. Sort of like choose your own adventure. It was just a plot point.

If it wasn't anybody then pretty much the basis of the plot evaporates and a big chunk of the dialogue doesn't make sense. IMO, clearly it was somebody rather notable and the movie left enough clues to encourage viewers to speculate who it was. However, who it was didn't matter so much as the characters' behavior surrounding the the tape and the money and the creepy motel. Otherwise I think the movie would've revealed who it was.

Plus, the producers likely would've gotten into legal hot water if they'd actually tried to use the name of any number of famous people such as the ones most commonly mentioned. (Though I believe audio tapes of MLK engaging in adultery have been leaked, courtesy of Hoover's FBI. Not sure about any physical evidence of RFK's rumored sexual indiscretions.)

[Enigma X]

2 minutes ago, Joimiaroxeu said:

If it wasn't anybody then pretty much the basis of the plot evaporates and a big chunk of the dialogue doesn't make sense. IMO, clearly it was somebody rather notable and the movie left enough clues to encourage viewers to speculate who it was. However, who it was didn't matter so much as the characters' behavior surrounding the the tape and the money and the creepy motel. Otherwise I think the movie would've revealed who it was.

Plus, the producers likely would've gotten into legal hot water if they'd actually tried to use the name of any number of famous people such as the ones most commonly mentioned. (Though I believe audio tapes of MLK engaging in adultery have been leaked, courtesy of Hoover's FBI. Not sure about any physical evidence of RFK's rumored sexual indiscretions.)

Maybe we are saying the same thing or maybe we are not.

I am saying it was somebody notable but the writers did not really have a specific notable person in mind. Yes, they wanted people to speculate MLK or RFK or any notable person around during that time. I just don’t think they wrote with a specific person in mind. Any popular person who was considered moral and just who died around that time fits the bill. I don’t think they had xxxx in mind specifically though.