Buffalo ’66 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy gets out of prison, kidnaps a tap dancer, blames a football kicker for all his problems, and somehow ends up in a semi-romantic situation, all while his parents watch Buffalo Bills highlights.

🍿 Buffalo ’66: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Release and Immediate Needs

Billy Brown is released from prison after serving five years for a crime he didn’t commit. His immediate concern isn’t freedom, but the urgent need to find a restroom. This sets the tone for his awkward and often frustrating day. He is also fixated on a past wrong and seeks revenge.

The Kidnapping and the Ruse

Desperate to impress his parents, who believe he’s been working for the government and is married, Billy kidnaps Layla, a young tap dance student. He forces her to pose as his wife for a visit home. This sets up a bizarre and uncomfortable family encounter.

Dysfunctional Family Dynamics

The visit to Billy’s parents exposes the deep dysfunction within the family. His mother is obsessed with the Buffalo Bills and his father is a passive-aggressive and unsettling figure. Layla observes the coldness and lack of affection that shaped Billy’s life. This section explores the roots of Billy’s antisocial behavior.

Growing Connection and Confrontation

Despite the forced circumstances, a strange connection begins to form between Billy and Layla. Billy plans to avenge himself on Scott Wood, the football player he blames for his misfortunes. This culminates in a tense confrontation at a strip club.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Billy Brown (Vincent Gallo): A recently released convict who kidnaps a girl to pose as his wife for a visit to his dysfunctional parents while plotting revenge.
• Layla (Christina Ricci): A young tap dancer who is kidnapped by Billy and unexpectedly develops feelings for him.
• Jimmy Brown (Ben Gazzara): Billy’s emotionally distant and lecherous father, obsessed with his failed musical career.
• Jan Brown (Anjelica Huston): Billy’s emotionally neglectful mother, completely absorbed in her love for the Buffalo Bills.
• The Bookie (Mickey Rourke): A sleezy bookie who Billy blames for his incarceration.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billy Brown: “Is this a shifter car? I cannot drive a shifter car, alright, so we got a little situation here. I can’t drive these kinda cars! What the fuck is goin’ on!…” – Exclaims in frustration when he finds he can’t drive Layla’s manual transmission car.
• Billy Brown: “Hold me, but don’t touch me.” – Billy expresses his conflicting need for closeness and aversion to physical contact.
• Jan Brown: “I missed the championship game because of you!” – Jan blames Billy for her missing a Buffalo Bills game when she went into labor.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,375,097
• Worldwide Gross: $2,375,718

💥 Buffalo ’66 Reviews

Personal Review

Buffalo ’66 is a strange, beautiful, and sometimes uncomfortable film. I found myself simultaneously cringing at Billy’s behavior and rooting for him to find some kind of peace. Christina Ricci is amazing as Layla, bringing a sweetness and vulnerability to the role that makes her connection with Billy believable, even when it seems impossible. The scene in the bowling alley, with Layla tap dancing to ‘Moonchild,’ is magical and heartbreaking. It really hit me how damaged Billy was and how much Layla genuinely cared.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent and arthouse films”
  • “Viewers interested in character studies and unconventional romances”
  • “People who appreciate dark humor and unique visual styles”
  • “Those who are into coming of age stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Kidnapping”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Implied violence”
  • “Suggestive themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Film Stage: “Gallo’s directorial debut is a powerhouse of fine acting, writing, and direction, not to mention a showcase for some truly jaw-dropping cinematography. Buffalo 66 is one of the finest independent films and perhaps the most fascinating character study.
• JoBlo.com: “The acting was superb, the story even more so; and that camera work! Gallo’s character, Billy Brown, was a picture of hate and resentment due to his unfeeling, unloving parents who made it clear from day one that he wasn’t wanted, much less loved.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were captivated by the film’s unique visual style and quirky characters.: Many found the film to be a touching and strangely romantic story about damaged people finding connection.

Overall Consensus: Buffalo ’66 is a polarizing but ultimately compelling independent film praised for its originality, performances, and unique visual style.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Vincent Gallo wrote, directed, starred in, and composed music for the film, showcasing his diverse talents.”
• “The house where Billy Brown’s parents live in the film is the same house where Vincent Gallo lived with his parents growing up, adding a personal touch to the production.”
• “Christina Ricci and Vincent Gallo reportedly had a difficult working relationship during filming.”

🖥️ How to Watch Buffalo ’66?

Buffalo ’66 is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services or for potential broadcast schedules. Depending on your region, it might also be available on smaller independent streaming platforms that specialize in indie films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Buffalo ’66, you might like these similar films:

• Gummo (1997): Shares a similar raw, unconventional, and sometimes unsettling portrayal of American underclass life.
• Reservoir Dogs (1992): Stylized violence, dark humor, and memorable performances in an independent crime setting.
• The Brown Bunny (2003): Also directed by Vincent Gallo, featuring unconventional narrative style and controversial themes.
• Napoleon Dynamite (2004): Quirky characters and awkward humor set in a small-town, offbeat romance, and unique visual style

🛒 Buffalo ’66 Related Products

• Buffalo ’66 (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A restored high-definition digital transfer of the film, featuring commentary by Vincent Gallo, and interviews with cast and crew. Perfect for cinephiles.
• Buffalo ’66 Poster: Capture the distinctive style of Vincent Gallo’s directorial debut with this eye-catching poster, featuring iconic imagery from the film. A great way to show your appreciation for this indie film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Buffalo ’66 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Lonely Boy” – performed by Vincent Gallo
• “Heart of the Sunrise” – performed by Yes
• “Moonchild” – performed by King Crimson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why “Literally Me” Characters Are So Important

Ever wonder why some movie characters just *get* you? This video breaks down the ‘literally me’ trope and uses Buffalo ’66’ as a prime example. It’s super insightful and makes you see the film in a whole new light – totally worth a watch!

Roasting Your Favorite Movies Again

Ready to laugh at some questionable movie choices? This video roasts popular films, and Buffalo ’66’ might just be one of them. Get ready for some hilarious observations and maybe even a few agreements – because let’s be real, some movies deserve it!

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