Clay Pigeons Reviews

• A haunting, dark comedy...

  
  By A202IBIG7TYKRD on 2002-09-25
  Clay Birdwell (Joaquim Phoenix) is a small-town guy who hates his ho-hum small-town life. In one afternoon all that changes. His best friend Earl (Gregory Sporleder) confronts him, while out target shooting, that he knows Clay's been involved with his wife (Georgina Cates). Earl commits suicide in an attempt to frame Clay for his murder...and with Clay's cover-up of that act, a chain of other terrible killings is sparked, as a charming, cowboy, serial killer, Lester Long (Vince Vaughn) senses an opportunity.

  Dead bodies start turning up in "Big Sky Country" (Montana) and, unfortunately all of them, right under Clay's nose. Soon, the FBI turns up as well. Janeane Garofalo is great as the skeptical and sarcastic investigating agent.

  This is a very well done dark comedy with a great cast - Vaughn is excellent, so are Garofalo and Joaquim Phoenix. Some great side characters are played by Scott Wilson (Sheriff Mooney), Vince Vieluf (Deputy Barney) and Phil Morris as the silent and brooding agent Reynard. A real keeper.
  
  

• The Tangled Webs We Weave

  
  By A1J2931UBBJPXM on 2000-08-18
  In a small town out west, a target practice outing with a friend kicks off a chain of bizarre events that lead a man to involvement with murder and an unsolicited alliance with a person of, shall we say, "questionable" character in "Clay Pigeons," directed by David Dobkin. Joaquin Phoenix is Clay Birdwell, a regular guy whose lack of judgment and discretion catches up with him unexpectedly in this dark, maddening tale of morality and fate that is sometimes morose and disturbing, at other times darkly humorous, as it deftly examines the trappings of the tangled webs we humans weave. Clay has become mired in a moral dilemma from which there seems to be no escape, when he meets and is befriended by Lester Long (Vince Vaughn), a trucker passing through town one night. At a local bar, Lester observes that Clay doesn't exactly have a way with women; it gets Lester's attention, which leads to a game of pool and, later on, a casual fishing trip that, like the target practice outing, proves to be a life-altering experience for Clay. Phoenix is perfectly cast as Clay, ably conveying the effects of the dark quagmire into which he is cast by circumstances he is unable to control. His performance enables you to feel him sinking ever deeper as the story moves along, and to empathize with him and experience what he is going through. You realize that he understands his situation, and it becomes a matter of waiting to see if he will make the right decisions, regardless of the inevitable consequences. It creates a tension that makes you want to yell at the screen to tell him what to do. Vaughn is excellent as well as the cowboy trucker with the winning smile, robust laugh and a closet full of dark secrets. There's a menace behind the good-natured facade he puts on that becomes more pronounced as the events unfold. Pretty early on you know what this guy is all about, but somehow it only enhances the anxiety of the whole situation as it becomes a cat-and mouse game (with some unexpected twists) between Clay and Lester. Another notable performance comes from the charismatic Janeane Garofalo, who is surprisingly effective and credible as F.B.I. agent Dale Shelby, who comes to town when things take a turn and begin to heat up. It's a credit to her talent and versatility that she can pull this character off so well. The supporting cast includes Georgina Cates (Amanda), Scott Wilson (Sheriff Mooney), Vince Vieluf (Deputy Barney), and Monica Moench (Kimberly). There are moments in this movie that absolutely make you want to tear your hair out, a credit to the way Dobkin put this project together and delivered it. "Clay Pigeons" is a nail-biter that will keep you going right up to the end (which is terrific); Clay and Lester are characters you're going to remember, and just to make sure there's a brief, inspired reminder at the end of the credits (so stay with it all the way). Relatively overlooked during it's original release, this film should gain new life on video, and deservedly so; this is one you'll be glad you took a look at.
  
  

• Fate goes 'round and 'round

  
  By A1P9NQ0XUE44S9 on 2001-10-23
  Let's see how the bodies pile up. One is shot. One shoots himself. One is stabbed. No, make that 7 are stabbed. Nope again........a lot more are stabbed. That's right. There is a lot of young and beautiful women being killed. But who killed them? Was it Clay Pigeons (Joaquin Phoenix is superb): stoic, ethical, quiet, and ...? Was is "Lester the Molester" (played so keenly and to utter perfection by Vince Vaugh): charming, lady-magnet, polite, yet deadly? You can ask the dominant, playful, ultra-spunky FBI agent who smokes pot. Or, you can ask the slow-witted and sleepy deputy sheriff who is so very funny in his ineptness. But better yet; why don't you just buy the DVD? This is a perfect movie. It's a thriller/comedy that is set in rural Montana in a town inhabited by the sly, the young, the corrupt, and the innocent. I love this movie and highly recommend it for the acting, the storyline, and the comedy.
  
  

• "There are some people out there who need killing''

  
  By A2EEUQ81DTY7G3 on 2005-09-05
  It's hard to categorize a movie like Clay Pigeons. The film is certainly an interesting mix of genres - part satire, comedy, and melodrama, and it gives the scoundrel the best lines, the most machiavellian aura, and the keenest temperament in the story. There's no doubt the movie, which takes place in a small Montana town, is a work of considerable originality.
  
  The story is fraught with murder, sex, and mayhem, and contains some of the most deliciously convincing characters ever seen on film. There's the stable scout, slatternly tart, laid-back law-officer, magnetic mischief maker, and caustic cop - all of them coming together at different stages to create a maelstrom of confusion and violence.
  
  Director David Dobkin and scriptwriter Matt Healy don't waste a lot of time on exposition: The story opens on a shooting match as best friends Earl (Fregory Sporleder) and Clay (Joaquin Phoenix) test their skills at shattering beer bottles. Earl suddenly turns on Clay, accusing him of having an affair with his sluttish wife, Amanda (Georgina Cates).
  
  Earl eventually turns the gun on himself, partly because he's fed up with Amanda's antics, but also because he reckons that he can set it up to look like a murder, thus framing Clay. Afterwards, Clay returns to the newly widowed, but conspicuously unconcerned Amanda and is disgusted by her lack of distress.
  
  At first Amanda tells Clay to get lost, yet deep down she still desires him. After he spurns her advances, she begins stalking him which results in terrible and fatal consequences for them both. Soon Clay is plunged into an ambivalent fellowship with the engaging visitor, Lester Long (Vince Vaughn). Lester is an enigmatic cowboy drifter, who's swollen cowboy Panama matches his towering personality. Complete with sly giggle, he's aware that he can work his charms on men as well as women.
  
  Soon Clay finds himself having to dispose of a dead body, but to add to his problems, he finds himself confronted with the sardonically deadpanned Janeane Garofalo as a pot-smoking federal agent Shelby and unexcitable local sheriff Mooney (Scott Wilson). Mooney seems enveloped in a melancholic haze from suddenly having to deal with so many dead people, while the permanently tough-minded Shelby is hot on the trail of a serial killer.
  
  Phoenix is terrific as the bewildered good guy, who mostly through no fault of his own lets everything disintegrate around him. Garofalo is also good as the mordant, but focused Shelby, and her reaction when a lusty cowboy attempts to pick her up in the village bar, is absolutely priceless.
  
  Best of all is Vince Vaughn who shows his depth in a wholly distinct, ominous performance. His congeniality covers up a startling penchant for something much darker and his contempt is excited by the ease with which his victims flock to his all American allure.
  
  Clay Pigeons is a quirky, pitch-black comedy-thriller, in which everything turns out the contrary of what you'd expect. With dead bodies piling up all over the place one wouldn't expect movie like this to have such an amusingly mean-spirited groove. But that's why it's so good, especially when one considers the surprise finale, which neatly cleans up all the mess and confusion that precedes it. Mike Leonard September 05.
  
  
  

• ONE OF THE BEST BRAIN TEASERS EVER

  
  By A3U5B817I268Q7 on 2007-01-18
  
  Droll crime drama.
  Cops (Scott Wilson & Janeane Garofalo) vs homicidal maniac.
  
  If anything can go wrong, it will.
  "I should have followed my mother's advice and moved to New York city where it's peacefull and safe."
  
  Twists & turns galore.
  "Sheriff, I can explain!
  The fact that my girlfriend, her husband, all my friends, all my enemies,
  and everybody I've met in the last week have died, is purely coincidental."
  
  Adult content.
  
  Vince Vaughn at his best.
  Joaquin Phoenix at his best.
  
  If you like this movie try
  The Big Hit
  Without a Clue
  Disorganized Crime
  
  
• This is Such a Good Movie!
  By on 1999-02-15
  Even though this movie was just recently released, I have seen it about 20 times. Maybe I'm a bit prejudiced because I am the biggest Vince Vaughn and Joaquin Phoenix fan in the world (they are only the finest guys ever), but I loved the movie as well as the main characters. This movie is dark yet lighthearted at times, creepy yet hilarious-it is a thriller packed with comedy, and mystery. The actors in it are incredible, and each of them give incredible performances. Vince Vaughn plays the hilarious Lester Long, Joaquin plays the troubled Clay, Georgina Cates plays a small-town gal with a serious attitude problem, and Janeane Garofolo plays a witty FBI agent. (Also watch for the goofy Deputy) The plot is fast-paced, and you will never know what happens next. This is a definite must-see movie!
  
  
• A Wickedly funny film.
  By A3JN1D7P3HFZSF on 1999-11-18
  This is a wickedly funny and very entertaining film. Each character is outstanding; especially Vince Vaughn; and the pace doesn't skip a beat. Very clever story; every scene is very engrossing. Highly recommended! Don't miss this one!
  
  
• Film Noir for all
  By A2BHDZ0RF1QHTY on 2001-01-29
  Every now and then a movie will be released that will stimulate your brain and awaken your humorous bone which has been supressed by mind-numbing cinema. Forget formula who dunnit, this is a bit quirky with exciting twists and turns. Joaquin Phoenix is wonderful and demands your empathy for the character. What a feat in the modern world for an actor! Vince Vaughn is most charming and who wouldn't trust him?! My hat is off to the actors and the director of this beauty of a film. Thank you.
  
  
• When Joaquin was the lesser of two Phoenixes
  By A3QF1QF9DFLNQ5 on 2004-06-16
  Maybe I was smoking something when commercials for this flick first came out, but I thought it was marketed as a comedy. This is not a comedy. Unless you want to call it a "black comedy" which basically means violence and murder and sex for no reason is funny or absurd. I didn't like this movie at all. None of the characters are likable and the story is unbelievable. This isn't a sleeper, a cult movie, or an art movie. Its just a bad movie. If you want to see an "exploration of violence" type movie, go watch Kalifornia instead. You have been warned.
  
  
• Excellent and Dazzling
  By A3Q1BMR4RY9VLA on 2005-03-08
  Clay Pigeons is one of my all time, favorite movies. Its scenes are exceptionally shot (the landscapes alone are enough to watch it, in my opion) and the acting is top of the line. If you are attracted to the work of ANY of the members of this cast, you are sure to love their performances.
  
  Now no, this movie isn't for the faint of heart, nor is it as light as a 'dark comedy.' It's relatively intense, though not all that gory. For sinister-veined, drama lovers, it's right up your alley.
  
  
• Clay Pigeons
  By A3GBQLQSSVVIE5 on 2007-01-29
  I liked this movie! This was the first movie I saw Joaquin Phoenix in and without him the movie would not have been a success. He was perfect for this role. THis is the second movie I saw Vince Vaughn in other than Psycho. He played a perfect manipulating psycho path and truly makes the film. Vince, Joaquin and Janeane Garofalo have perfect chemistry for this movie! I also liked the way the movie was directed. Very entertaining and a keeper for my movie collection.
  
  
• Three of my favorite actors in one movie?
  By A3BRBP9RUXMDT on 2001-07-18
  Who doesn't love Janeane Garoffalo. I have always enjoyed Vince Vaughn movies, and Joaquin Phoenix is a charmer. Check him out in Inventing The Abbotts. Clay Pigeons is one of those dark comedies that keeps the audience intrigued and also keeps them laughing the whole way through. Highly recommended by big time movie buff. The best line? "Look! There's a girl floating upside down!" "How do you know it's a girl?" "Because of the long hair." "Well, it could be a rock star." Ha!
  
  
• Great performances highlight dark comedy
  By A152C8GYY25HAH on 2002-03-28
  I can't tell you much about the plot of the surprisingly well made Clay Pigeons without giving too much away. The movie's twists and turns are much of the fun. I can say that at one point, the town sheriff turns to young Clay Birdwell [Joaquin Phoenix] and asks him to quit turning up in places where a murder has been committed.

  The picture is set in Montana, but most of its breathtaking photography was shot in Utah. The scenery underlines the story, for much of it is both beautiful and foreboding. All those vast open spaces hint at underlying danger, as well as vulnerability.

  Joaquin Phoenix, whom we first saw ten years ago as a kid in Parenthood, has been very promising in movies like Inventing the Abbotts and Parenthood. Clay Pigeons should mark his transition into a serious actor. His speech patterns, facial expressions and body language make Clay Birdwell a character not soon to be forgotten. In the next decade, his imperfect, chiseled looks should make him a welcome balance to the pretty boy looks of talented actors such as Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.

  Clay shows us something not all of us want to see. A life can go on fairly routinely for years, then suddenly spin hopelessly out of control in one afternoon. What are we willing to resort to if that happens?

  Vince Vaughn also shines in this picture. Here, his innocent school boy manner works much better than it did in the unfortunate remake of Psycho, where we all knew the story to begin with. Also first-rate is Janeane Garfalo, who plays an FBI agent. Garfalo is one of our finest character actresses. She's the type you've seen many times, but can never place her name. She is set to appear in no less than eleven movies this year. Her portrayal is a delight. I suspect she based it on Scully in X-Files. If so, hers is a wonderful parody.

  Clay Pigeons succeeds in a very tricky genre, which I call black comedy about very bad things. You have to be very good at your craft to pull this category off. Usually, these movies end up being tasteless and offensive. An example of that is the current boxoffice hit Payback, which is among the most mean-spirited movies ever made.

  Some will have a problem with Clay's choices at the end of the film. I liked it. It was refreshing to see a character not go for the easy way out.
  
  

• a good dark comedy
  By A11KRK65IW97UK on 2005-02-17
  If you liked Fargo, you'll appreciate this film. Very funny despite the dead bodies that start piling up. Vince Vaughn steals the show as Lester Long, with a creepy laugh sprinkling his unpredictable behavior. You'll feel sorry for Joaquin Phoenix's character Clay for the trouble he gets mixed up in, even though he's far from innocent, which you tend to forget along the way. My 7 year old was drawn out of bed by the sounds of Lester Long's big mouth, and he plopped down on the couch and immediately started laughing at Lester's antics and creepy giggling. The soundtrack was perfect, and you may find yourself with a little Elvis on the brain after you see this...I'll never be able to hear It's Now or Never the same way again....
  
  
• Friggin brilliant.
  By A3KUUII2GSHN7T on 2008-07-01
  Discovering Clay Pigeons was to me like discovering a stock certificate in my grandfather's attic and realizing it's worth some serious cash. Well, maybe not to that extent, but along the same lines.
  
  PLOT: Clay Bidwell (Phoenix) is having a rough week. The dead body of one of his former girlfriends in found in a local lake, and a floozy he once hooked-up with is found stabbed repeatedly in her home on the outskirts of town. Everyone is suspecting Clay except for a amicable fella named Lester Long (Vaughn), who has a million dollar smile and the charm to back it up. It seems that everywhere Clay goes, death and Lester Long aren't far behind, smiling with a boyish grin and an "I know something you don't know" glare in his eyes.
  
  It's hard to categorize Clay Pigeons. There are elements of hilarity and elements of suspense, but mostly, the film creates its own distinct vibe by taking the viewer into a bizarre world where death and humor are intermixed and the result is something rather brilliant. Phoenix and Vaughn both deliver masterfully in roles that suit their strengths. For Vaughn, playing a roguish miscreant who saturates his world with intellectual wit was something quite entertaining to behold. On the flipside, Phoenix is right at home in playing the role of a kid who is clinging desperately to his sanity as the world around him crumbles under the weight of accusation.
  
  Overall, Clay Pigeons is a solid film that will keep you engaged to the end. If you're a fan of Vaughn or Phoenix, you won't be let down with either.
  
  
  
• Clay Pigeons
  By on 2000-02-22
  I thought this was a very funny dark comedy. Joaquin Phoenix was great in this part and Vince Vaughn was a hilarious psychotic killer. His laugh was both unexpected and fitting for his character. Definitely recommend this video.
  
  
• Fantastic! Vince Vaughn is manipulative and devious!
  By on 1999-07-21
  The twisty, turning plot line kept my attention with eager anticipation. Vince Vaughn delivers an excellent portrayal of a charismatic, evil, moral-free murderer. Joaquin Phoenix is perfect as the country bumpkin who makes one wrong choice and ends up going straight to hell, with Vaughn at the wheel. I loved Vaughn in this movie so much, I had to rent Gus Van Sant's "Psycho" to see him again. His performance in "Clay Pigeons" is the quintessential role for him, even moreso than "Swingers".
  
  
• For a twisted, dark laugh - rent this movie!
  By on 1999-02-18
  Vaughn is superb in this movie as an akward yet somewhat charming drifter. You know that something is terribly wrong with this story from the begginning but you can't help but get addicted, needing to know what will happen next. And if indeed the good guy will or will not "finish last." As soon as Vaughn appeared on the screen he had me rolling! Definately, catch this movie when given a chance.
  
  
• an action packed funny thriller.
  By on 1999-01-14
  I saw this in the theater, I was dragged in and did not expect to like this at all, but was surprised.I loved it. This is one to rent or buy ... a must see!
  
  
• a freind of lester's anytime
  By on 1999-02-14
  the movie clay pigeons has been getting some horrible reveiws, but i saw it i started to wonder what movie the reveiws were for. this movie is no wheres close to bad.it is EXCELLENT!Vince gives a 100% preformence along with Janeane and Joaquin.everyone should see it!!!to miss it would be a crime.(no pun intended).Lester Long is portryed supurbly, a likeble serial killer that makes you want to like him, that is a hard thing to do and i think Vince kicked a**.Joaquin also is so great at portraying anyone,he gives such an emotional preformance always!Clay Pigeons should have been nominated for an oscar!!!to bad those oscar judges dont see any of the good movies.GREAT SOUNDTRACK!!!!!
  
  
• Funny. Good God, it's funny!
  By A116JZEFSU5O2W on 2000-09-14
  Well, slightly noir it may be, but Clay Pigeons is so damn funny that i can't stop watching it. The whole cast is outstanding but Vince Vaughn steals the show. He is a brutal murderer, but you can't help but laugh at how he steals every scene he is in. To keep it short, this movie is an ace, hands down.
  
  
• Surprise! It's Good!
  By A3E8BTA2SXPV3P on 2001-01-25
  A dark comedy that starts off with a bang -- literally. The beginning is well-written, for it sets the pace for the rest of the movie. It pulls you in and makes you wonder what's going to happen next. A few minutes into the film, however, it starts to show traits of some pointless independent movie. Luckily, it picks up when Janeane Garofalo, the dry and sarcastic FBI agent, steps in. Joaquin Phoenix, whose brilliance as an actor is becoming more evident with every progressive film, turns in a commendable performance. Vince Vaughn provides great comic relief as your stereotypical, insane cowboy. The rest of the cast is also brilliant, however subtle their roles are. Although not perfect, this film has a way of staying with you, with its quirky and fun soundtrack, offbeat performances, fast-paced and intricately woven plot, and desolate country setting. Give this movie a try and you will be pleasantly surprised.
  
  
• A truly funny film
  By A1UEQOBWVPPFB3 on 2001-06-09
  Clay Pigeon's is one of those small great films you look at in the video store and ask yourself whether it's wort your $5. Well, for this small, off beat, black comedy it certainly is. It features a great cast and a darkly funny scrpit. Janenne Garofalo is hilarious as the cynnical FBI agent and Joaquin Phoenix is great as the poor guy who keeps stubling across dead bodies. Also Vince Vaughn's performance as Lester Long is one not to be missed. This movie will keep you laughing from beginning to end!
  
  
• If you buy this, you won't be let down.
  By on 2003-01-06
  Vince Vaughn is very good, as is Joaquin Phoneix. It's sort of dull at times, but it's good entertainment. Buy it used.
  
  
• Funny and Chilling...
  By A2EQX3BOHFT4YN on 2003-10-29
  Janeane Garofalo is so great in this role, as are all the other actors. I would definately recommend this movie. It has a few slow moments but it has a great plot and a wonderful cast that more than make up for them.
  
  
• It was a great movie, Vince Vauughn is great.
  By A2OK36RL17X8E3 on 2006-02-02
  It kept you guessing throughout the whole movie. Definitely a good flick.
  
  
• :--)
  By A19EVB2J67EJ3C on 2007-01-09
  This movie ROCKS! The music is great, and so are the actors! It's fun, just don't let the kids watch it!
  
  
• Winning performances from a solid cast in this dark comedy / psychological thriller
  By A2EBLL2OYEQJN9 on 2007-04-19
  Clay Pigeons manages to combine the best of the dark comedy and psychological thriller genres, something that rarely works well (11:14 and The Boondock Saints might be two other good examples). It's hands-down my favorite Vince Vaughn performance. He plays a creepy lady killer (in the literal sense) with a charming twang and boisterous attitude. As a viewer, I found myself empathizing with women who fall for serial killers!
  
  Vince Vaughn plays the foil to small town boy Clay (Joaquin Phoenix), a nice kid who gets tangled up in a web of lies stemming from a desire to cover-up one romantic indiscretion. In shocking succession, Vaughn's cowboy character racks up a series of murders and gotchas for the innocent Clay. Toss in a sheriff who is straight out of Mayberry and a no-nonsense FBI investigator who occasionally imbibes in marijuana (Janeane Garofalo), and you've got a gripping crime story full of twists and comedic turns.
  
  
  
• 5 stars
  By A133TYB16GH2U8 on 2000-04-08
  great plot, great acting by vince vaughn and interesting and entertaining period..i just bought this and i will see it many times
  
  
• Must-see twisted dark comedy
  By on 1999-04-12
  You like Fargo? You'll love Clay Pigeons. A well written script backed up by a talented cast and director.
  
  

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