The world’s biggest Street Fighter movie fan explains why it rules

I’ve always been drawn to the unconventional and the bizarre. Growing up in a small town in the Midwest, I felt like an outsider from an early age. My love for movies was my escape, and I found solace in the most unlikely places.

It’s high time for Street Fighter’s redemption arc.

The 1994 film version of Capcom’s fighting game series, starring Jean Claude Van Damme, is known as a cult classic among some audiences. However, it’s also widely criticized for being a notoriously poor production. This negative reputation is partly justified – the chaotic production process resulted in subpar performances from the actors, poorly choreographed fight scenes, and an overloaded script attempting to tackle too many themes at once.

Check out TopMob’s Spicy Takes Week, our celebration of fun arguments that bring a little extra heat to the table.

As a gamer, I can’t deny the allure of Street Fighter, even if the movie has its flaws. The costumes and sets are visually stunning, transporting us into the world of this iconic game. And Raul Julia’s portrayal of M. Bison is nothing short of inspired, making the villain feel menacing and unforgettable. However, it’s the intriguing blend of these elements with what doesn’t quite work that makes Street Fighter an unique experience for me.

The film portrays Colonel Guile, an All-American soldier portrayed by Belgian actor Jean Claude Van Damme, and his band of Allied Nations fighters. Their mission is to overpower the ruthless dictator General M. Bison, who rules Shadaloo City with the intention of world domination. Bison infamously declared, “Once I’ve kidnapped your queen, the Bank of England will set the exchange rate at five British pounds for every ‘Bison dollar.'”. Director Steven E. de Souza masterfully blends the aesthetic and narrative elements of this production with 1980s war movies akin to Vietnam War films, incorporating the real-life disc jockey who inspired “Good Morning, Vietnam” in a cameo appearance. This approach sets it apart from tournament-style movies such as “Mortal Kombat” and “Bloodsport”.

In May, I experienced this movie for the very first time and was instantly captivated. Julia’s portrayal of the villain, with her divine acting skills rooted in Shakespearean tradition, left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. Her performance was not only memorable but also quotable, making it a standout in its era. It was her final role, and she took it up for her children, who were avid fans of the game.

As a long-time film enthusiast and avid fan of both the “Street Fighter” video game series and quirky cinema, I can’t help but hold a soft spot for the 1994 cinematic adaptation. Having grown up playing these iconic games, I was beyond excited when I first heard about this movie. My anticipation, however, was met with disappointment as critics and audiences alike panned it for its poor reception. Yet, despite the negative reviews, something about “Street Fighter” resonated deeply with me.

During the presentation, the key query raised was: What defines a great film, and is such classification significant?

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

TopMob: When did your journey with Street Fighter start for you?

Around the turn of the last decade, around 2010, my friend Willia and I discovered a unique film together. Our first reaction was astonishment as we were drawn into its unconventional flow of events, filled with quirky occurrences that kept us engaged from start to finish. Even the parts that didn’t quite work for us added to the overall momentum. After our initial viewing, we rewatched it multiple times and frequently referenced it in our conversations.

In the ancient gaming community, prior to social media, we gained a slight notoriety. There existed a film discussion subforum where monthly polls were conducted. Our ballots for the ’90s poll almost resulted in our expulsion due to the rule against disclosing one’s choices before submission. Surprisingly, neither of us had chosen “Street Fighter,” and we both penned lengthy arguments explaining why we believed this film was a significant contribution to ’90s cinema.

So it sounds like it clicked for you on first viewing.

After giving it a few more views, I now appreciate the complexity of what makes this so engaging. Initially, I was captivated, thinking, “Wow, every line is brilliantly delivered.” Later on, I realized how accurately the main character satirizes American imperialism. With each rewatch, my understanding grew deeper. There were subtle details that escaped me during the first viewing, but the essence of what we find appealing was evident from the start.

Did you come to it with any affinity or experience with the Street Fighter franchise?

I’ve never had the experience of playing a Street Fighter video game. I only have a vague understanding of the games based on information I’ve read in articles, and thankfully, that knowledge doesn’t overlap with the movie, which is good.

Why did you choose to see that movie given its unfavorable reception by many back then? The general consensus was not positive, so it didn’t boast a great reputation beforehand.

A key component of our friendship is our shared appreciation for poorly made movies. We’ve attempted to explain this phenomenon by labeling them “anti-masterpieces,” but the truth is, we simply enjoy bad movies. It was “Plan Nine from Outer Space” that initially drew me in. I prefer the term “trash cinema,” which resonates with me. These films reveal their own creation process, showcasing how they came undone. For instance, reading about a film’s production troubles while watching it only confirms our expectations, as the movie itself so effectively illustrates its downfall. Thus, my fascination with these movies stems from a profound affection for cinematic failures.

Obviously, a lot of people didn’t like the Street Fighter movie when it came out.

With good reason!

Why do you think it was so widely reviled?

It fails at the thing it tries to do. It’s not a good version of what it wants to be.

In my opinion, one major issue is that the film lacks a clear and effective storyline, as well as believable characters. I don’t find Colonel Guile to be a compelling protagonist. The acting from most of the cast seems off, with Kylie Minogue in particular struggling to convincingly portray her role. Damian Chapa, who plays the character Ken, lacks any charisma. Additionally, it seems that the filmmakers tried to cram in as many Street Fighter characters as possible, leading to an unfocused plot and a lack of a clear protagonist. Raul Julia’s performance as the villain is one of the few redeeming aspects because at least there is a defined antagonist in the story.

In simpler terms, I believe the film is visually unappealing and poorly executed from a cinematographic perspective. The editing is haphazard and inconsistent, with noticeable gaps in important scenes. Characters appear suddenly with drastic changes in appearance, forcing ill-fitting additions to the story. The movie seems rushed and disjointed on various levels. While it may not surpass the chaos of “Transformers 2” as an infamous example of a flawed production, it is undeniably a mess in many aspects. I’ve purchased this movie twice despite its obvious issues.

Van Damme’s apathetic attitude towards the film and infamous challenging behavior during production seem to have played a significant role in making the movie unique. If he had been more invested in his performance, the film might not have gained the same distinctive charm.

I have a friend, an avant-garde filmmaker named Bram Ruiter. We recently discussed Werner Herzog’s “Bad Lieutenant.” After watching it, he remarked, “This movie feels shattered.” But isn’t that the point? Herzog deliberately crafted a film that defied conventions. It is, in its own way, true to itself. The script was meant to be disfigured. Herzog intentionally made a broken film. And for me, it’s that very imperfection that makes it special. My favorite living American actor, Nicolas Cage, delivers his most captivating performance in this unconventional masterpiece.

In my opinion, Street Fighter serves as a good illustration of this concept. Picture a decent PG-13 adaptation instead. I’m not talking about an excellent one, but rather one that stays true to the Street Fighter theme while avoiding the other problematic elements. If such a movie existed, wouldn’t it just be another ordinary blockbuster? The reason we’re discussing it now is due to its flaws.

I’m a huge fan of your take on Street Fighter being the best “accidental Verhoeven movie.” Could you please share some insights behind this perspective directly from your point of view? What makes this film stand out to you as an accidental masterpiece in the vein of Paul Verhoeven’s unique directing style?

In the mid-to-late ’90s, Verhoeven’s projects, including “Basic Instinct,” “Starship Troopers,” and “Showgirls,” can be considered as thematic siblings due to their shared underlying principle. These films present themselves as serious dramas on the surface, but they are actually satirical commentaries that subtly undermine their own narratives.

As a film enthusiast with a particular interest in the ’90s cinematic landscape, I’ve always found the comparison between “Showgirls” and “Starship Troopers” intriguing. While both films are unique in their own ways, they share some striking similarities when it comes to their cultural impact and underlying messages.

As a gamer, I’d say this: If Verhoeven films are clever critiques disguised as their targets, then Street Fighter turned out to be an unintentional deep dive into the very issues it was poking fun at. And believe me, it is. This movie feels like the Bush Jr. Era, the Iraq War, and the “we’ll go in guns blazing, ignore international law, take down the bad guy, and then celebrate with a victory freeze-frame.” It’s all there. You could even put “Mission Accomplished” over that final title card. It would fit perfectly.

I’ve noticed that the once-tarnished reputations of “Starship Troopers” and “Showgirls” have been gradually improving over the years. But I can’t help but wonder, what could possibly restore the honor of “Street Fighter”?

As someone who has spent decades immersed in the world of obscure and forgotten films, I’ve come to realize that the process of rediscovery can be both unpredictable and fascinating. I’ve seen my fair share of gems that were overlooked in their time but gained a newfound appreciation from audiences years later. However, having attempted to champion some films that were just too far gone, I believe that there is a limit to how long these films can lay dormant before they become virtually unrevivable.

The heart of the anti-masterpiece theory lies in highlighting the clash between artistic expression and commercial interests in cinema.

As someone who grew up watching and loving the Star Wars saga, I have to admit that I was initially disappointed with The Rise of Skywalker. But after giving it some thought and considering the behind-the-scenes context, I’ve come to appreciate it in a new light.

As a gamer, I can recognize the ties between these movies, but personally, I find one significant distinction. The Street Fighter film may not be perfect, but for me, it has some elements that truly shine: Raul Julia’s captivating portrayal, the impressive production design, the intriguing costumes, and even a few jokes that hit the mark. However, when it comes to Rise of Skywalker, I must admit, it didn’t resonate with me as strongly.

I personally believe that that that “Rise of Skywalker” film excels in visual aspects. Despite the numerous issues and criticisms it has faced, I find myself drawn to its visually appealing scenes. To put it simply, it’s like looking at a beautifully arranged pile of unpleasantness – it’s still an unpleasant sight but the composition makes it intriguing.

Is it crucial to an anti-masterpiece that some parts of it actually work?

As someone who has spent the better part of my life immersed in the magical world of cinema, I’ve seen my fair share of films that left me scratching my head in bewilderment. And trust me, the infamous “Foodfight!” is certainly one of them. I remember watching it with a group of friends, all of us expecting a hilarious and visually stunning experience based on its premise. Instead, we were met with a jumbled mess of poor animation, unfunny humor, and an incoherent storyline that made us question our decision to watch it in the first place.

For instance, “Foodfight!” as a piece of narrative cinema doesn’t excel in any aspect whatsoever. I can’t point out a single redeeming quality about this film that surpasses the disastrous or cataclysmic. Yet, I hold a deep affection for this movie because it masterfully conveys the story of an egotistical and narcissistic man who desperately sought to create “Toy Story,” but with an even more commercial spin. Sadly, he failed at every turn. The lost film files are comically depicted on screen, adding to the hilarity. The incorporation of explicit Nazi symbolism in a children’s movie is as startling as any jump scare from John Carpenter’s films. It leaves you feeling enraged, and I relish that emotion. Therefore, a movie doesn’t necessarily require good elements to be worth watching.

What do you think these movies can teach us about how we watch movies?

The way we’re typically taught to approach movies is to accept them based on how they present themselves. If a movie succeeds in engaging us, we go along with its narrative. Conversely, if it fails to capture our interest, we dismiss it. This dynamic is often viewed as a simple distinction between good and bad films. Essentially, it’s an unspoken agreement between the viewer and the film.

I’ve spent the better part of my adult life immersed in the world of cinema, and I’ve seen my fair share of good and bad movies. But it’s the “bad” ones that have truly shaped my perspective as a film enthusiast. Michael Haneke’s Funny Games is one such movie that defied expectations and left a lasting impression on me.

If a movie fails to meet our expectations, what other aspects can we explore to appreciate it? Going back to “The Room” by Tommy Wiseau, this unconventional film inadvertently offers an intriguing character study. Exploring the realm of art movies and even mainstream narratives, there are countless reasons for their intrigue. My encounters with poorly executed films have broadened my perspective, inviting me to reconsider all cinema from a fresh angle.

A new film adaptation of “Street Fighter” is currently being developed. Although it may not meet your expectations for a “Street Fighter” production, have you thought about making a wish list for the project?

Growing up, the Lord of the Rings films were nothing short of a phenomenon for me and my peers. I can still remember the excitement leading up to the release of “Return of the King,” which I ended up seeing no less than four times in theaters when I was just 13 years old. My obsession with Middle-earth was all-consuming, and I wore that fandom as a badge of honor throughout my teenage years.

In simpler terms, regarding Star Wars, although I consider the original films from 1977 and The Empire Strikes Back among cinema’s finest works, I personally have no strong connection or investment in the franchise. I found Rise of Skywalker to be remarkably impressive, without any particular attachment to my prior feelings about Star Wars. I was persuaded to watch Andor against my will but ended up enjoying it a lot. Regarding new projects like a possible Street Fighter film, I would have an indifferent response. If someone convinces me to watch it, then I’ll give it a chance.

Any final statement on your defense of Street Fighter?

In simpler terms, I believe the essence of the “anti-masterpiece” perspective lies in the notion that a film’s value isn’t solely based on its being good or bad. Instead, various factors contribute to its worth. For me, this is what makes cinema fascinating. It’s why I find it challenging to choose favorites. While some films inspire admiration, others move me deeply, and yet others possess great qualities, my favorites simply hold a special place in my heart for movies. I encourage people to let go of the notion that “good” equates to “good,” as this complex art form transcends such labels.

Street Fighter is available for digital rental or purchase on Amazon and Apple TV.

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2024-07-18 20:22