So what to say about this film?....well let me tell you. First of all, it is directed by Fred Durst, who is known more so for his rock band Limp Bizkit, yes I said Limp Bizkit. This movie is categorized as a suspense horror, but after watching this film, I personally categorize it as a dark comedy for sure. I don't know how Fred Durst scored John Travolta (He did help produce the film) for his role as Moose, but I am so glad he did because John Travolta is definitely rememorable, like Moose would say himself.
So the main character is Moose, he is obsessed with an actor named Hunter Dunbar, who is played by Devon Sawa. He owns all of his VHS's, DVD's, purchased merchandise from his movies and collects autographs from his favorite celebrities. He lives in Hollywood so it's typical to be enamored by the stardom that surrounds him. He will stop at nothing to meet Hunter Dunbar and I mean nothing, even if it causes trouble for him, boy does it cause trouble.
Moose is quite the character, he is on a whole other planet, his English accent impressions are something else, his ear sniffing is unique and his interactions with others, it's awkward at best. He holds Hunter Dunbar on a very high pedestal, obsession doesn't even cover it. When he goes to his typical movie memorabilia store, the owner knows him very well and tells him about Hunter being at the store to do a book signing. So of course Moose is ecstatic and goes to the store to meet Hunter. It does not go well at all when Hunter is whisked away due to his ex-wife leaving their son because she has a date. Right when Moose is about to get the vest he bought that was from one of Hunter's movies, Hunter walks out of the signing. Moose is upset and not thinking about the consequences, follows Hunter outside to ask for his autograph. Hunter is clearly annoyed by Moose's disruptive behavior so he threatens him then leaves.
The golden question about this film is, who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist, seeing as the film progresses, how both characters develop, it leaves that question open ended. I feel like both of them switch roles, knowing that they both cross lines. Moose's intentions appear to be pure, just wanting to be close to his idol, he still crosses many lines, not quite understanding the repercussions of his actions. Hunter is full of himself, his life is in shambles, trying to build a relationship with his son and wants nothing to do with his fan, Moose.
So Moose finds Hunter's address with help from his friend Leah, who's a paparazzi, knowing the ins and outs of Hollywood. She tries to warn Moose not to become a stalker but he denies being one, even though us as an audience, we kind of know the truth. Moose is out of his mind and his obsession makes Annie Wilkes look like a saint. His reality button is definitely broken, he does not know the difference between fantasy and what is real. His mental state is not stable, he should definitely have a babysitter who watches him at all times. Moose sneaks into Hunter's house a couple times and mistakes accidentally killing the maid as just a typical run of the mill nosebleed....."that's a nosebleed, that'd going to be bad. I had a nosebleed once....it was not fun". Classic line while accidentally killing someone. He tucks Hunter in when he falls asleep on the chair, sniffs his ear, kisses his head, nothing weird at all. Hmmm.....
Also, shameless self promotion, Fred Durst even adds his own music because why not. Hunter realizes that Moose was stalking him, seeing him on the side of the road walking from the direction of his home. Hunter is again, aggressive and it fuels Moose to do what he does next, to scare Hunter into giving him his autograph? He uses quite a creative way of doing it too, let me tell you. Crashing his moped I guess forces an epiphany, causing him to watch Hunter's movies, burn all that he owns of Hunter and then...
Moose goes back to Hunter's house, ties him to his bed while Moose fakes his death on the floor with fake blood around him. He quotes so many good movies, while he teaches Hunter a lesson, "stabbing" him then pouring "gasoline" on him. Hunter has tricks up his own sleeve, luring Moose in, painting a picturesque fantasy between them. Only to seek revenge on Moose for his actions, he gets back at him in the most brutal way. What is profound though, instead of killing Moose, Hunter lets him go. Not sure if an act of humanity or compassion, or just for it to all be over, he lets Moose go.
There's something awkward, something disturbing but also oddly funny about this film, I can't quite put my finger on it but I LOVE this film. John Travolta's performance is top notch, a different character unlike anything I've seen him in, it's a sight to see. Moose is unlike any character I've seen and yet I like seeing him on screen. Is he completely off his rocker? Yes he definitely is but I enjoy his screen time. Devon Sawa as Hunter Dunbar, they create a grotesquely unique relationship especially knowing that Hunter lets Moose go, he gives a solid performance. The music in this sets the tone very well, creating a dramatic and dark tone to the story. Fred Durst blew me away, I could not believe he directed this film. Most will say this is a parody but somehow, I see more to this film. Oh and for the record.......
MOOSE IS NOT A STALKER!!!
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