ONE NIGHT STAND is Mike Figgis' first film after the huge success of his LEAVING LAS VEGAS. In short, it's a very sensual and passionate film. Wesley Snipes plays Max Carlyle, a successful married commercial director who unexpectedly meets Karen, an attractive married woman (Nastassja Kinski), in New York City. Their initial encounter never exceeds that of flirting until an abrupt mugging attempt brings them closer together. As the title suggest, they inevitably share a 'one night stand' together, and go on their merry way the next morning.
One year later, Max returns to New York from California with his wife, Mimi (Ming-Na Wen), to visit his dying friend Charlie (Robert Downey Jr.); who has been hospitalized after being diagnosed with AIDS. In the hospital room, he re-encounters Karen, who turns out to be married to Charlie's brother (Kyle MacLachlan). What happens next are a chain of events that constantly threaten to end both marriages.
ONE NIGHT STAND is an enjoyable film. Figgis' direction is unique and stylish. The dialogue in his screenplay is superb. I was able to figure out the ending; but, it'll be a neat surprise for many. This is great date movie.
It's a pleasure to see Wesley Snipes in a dramatic role again. Personally, I feel he's been too preoccupied with action films lately. He does a great job in ONE NIGHT STAND. Robert Downey Jr. does his best work in this film. His performance as an AIDS victim is far more gripping than Tom Hanks' Oscar winning performance in PHILADELPHIA.
Figgis and Snipes attended the screening. Figgis answered questions about his film. He added that he had developed the script from a draft written by Joe Eszterhaus. Eszterhaus doesn't share a writing credit as his concept was totally reworked. Snipes was kind enough to write many autographs on his way out of the theatre. He even stopped to greet this critic. Cool guy!
