The creator of the acclaimed series "Breaking Bad" has a hidden gem in his filmography that merits a fresh examination. Vince Gilligan, known for his intricate portrayal of anti-heroes in both "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," delves deep into the complexities of morality. His narrative style adeptly portrays characters whose ethical boundaries shift over time, making the audience ponder their motivations and choices. With his latest show, "Pluribus," he introduces a perilous lead character, inviting viewers to root for her despite her many flaws. This Apple TV series takes on the classic theme of alien invasions but does so in a wonderfully bizarre manner, prompting us to rethink the implications—both positive and negative—of a shared consciousness.
While Gilligan has contributed his exceptional writing skills to numerous well-received projects, including the iconic "The X-Files," there exists a lesser-known film in his portfolio that might deserve a second look: the 1993 movie "Wilder Napalm."
Interestingly, Gilligan penned the script for this film shortly after graduating from college, which served as a stepping stone for him to pursue more prominent projects in the future. Although "Wilder Napalm" doesn't hit the mark every time, it still showcases Gilligan's early talent for blending contrasting tones and taking imaginative storytelling risks. The film presents an unconventional take on the romantic comedy genre, featuring a love triangle that includes pyrokinetic abilities—definitely not the first thing you'd associate with romance.
In "Wilder Napalm," we meet brothers Wallace (played by Dennis Quaid) and Wilder (portrayed by Arliss Howard), who have the unique ability to ignite flames with their minds. This extraordinary skill causes a rift between them following a traumatic event during their childhood. While the concept may sound intriguing, the execution falters as director Glenn Gordon Caron struggles to effectively justify the film's core gimmick.
Nonetheless, it's essential to look beyond public opinion when evaluating a film like "Wilder Napalm." This movie appeals to those who appreciate whimsy and enjoy idiosyncratic characters in a narrative that defies conventional genre boundaries. It also features a notable dose of humor that reflects Gilligan's knack for crafting stories where chaos reigns supreme.
Spoiler Alert for "Wilder Napalm"
Caron’s film echoes the themes found in "Firestarter" as we discover the brothers’ ability to cause spontaneous combustion. After an unintentional incident where one of them sets someone ablaze, Wallace and Wilder choose drastically different paths as they mature. Wilder opts for a mundane existence, even becoming a firefighter to shun the limelight, while Wallace embraces his fire-starting talent and entertains as a clown at a traveling carnival. This setup provides a fascinating lens through which to examine their respective relationships with guilt and accountability, as they respond to their shared childhood trauma in remarkably different ways. However, Caron’s practical approach to Gilligan’s quirky script often results in jarring tonal shifts throughout the film.
Perhaps "Wilder Napalm" would have benefitted from a more eccentric director, despite Caron’s own creative ambitions demonstrated in his earlier work, "Moonlighting." The film does offer moments of absurdity—such as when Wilder’s fellow firefighters spontaneously break into an a cappella number or when unexpected explosions occur at crucial moments. Additionally, Debra Winger delivers a standout performance as Vida, the captivating woman caught in the brothers' rivalry, showcasing her strong agency within the storyline. Although the film’s conclusion may leave something to be desired, the journey is nonetheless captivating, exploring the complexities of a romance intertwined with a fascination for—yet fear of—fire.
If you set aside any preconceived notions about the romance and dark fantasy genres, "Wilder Napalm" emerges as a remarkable, offbeat blend of storytelling styles. Even if you enter the viewing experience with some prior knowledge, there are plenty of delightful surprises waiting to be discovered in Gilligan’s writing, which lays the groundwork for quirky characters navigating their tumultuous world.
