Feeling Minnesota is a movie that defies easy categorization: part black comedy, part romantic crime caper, and part road movie, the film is a disorienting, off-kilter ride that was widely panned upon its release but has since gained a small cult following for its sheer weirdness.
The movie is a testament to the mid-90s indie film boom, featuring a star-studded cast in roles that are far from their usual fare.
The plot is a tangled mess of poor decisions and bad luck. It centers on Jjaks Clayton (Keanu Reeves), a former drifter who returns to his hometown for his brother Sam’s (Vincent D’Onofrio) wedding. The bride, Freddie (Cameron Diaz), is a former stripper and a woman with a dark past.
Almost immediately, Jjaks and Freddie become infatuated with each other, leading them to run away together just hours before the wedding. Their escape turns disastrous when they accidentally kill Sam’s best man.
This single event spirals into a bizarre chase across the state, with the lovers constantly on the run from a variety of colorful, shady characters, including a menacing mob boss played by Delroy Lindo.
The film’s unique legacy lies in its ambiguity and the strange performances from its star-studded cast.
Reeves’ portrayal of the rockabilly-styled Jjaks was heavily criticized at the time for being stiff, but in retrospect, it’s a committed and surprisingly vulnerable performance.
Diaz shines in one of her early roles, bringing a raw, unhinged energy to the troubled Freddie.
Lindo delivers a memorable turn as the intimidating Red.
Dan Aykroyd and Courtney Love appear in brief, eccentric roles. Aykroyd plays a perpetually-confused motel clerk, while Love is a prostitute with a vendetta.
Michael Rispoli also appears as the motel manager.
Tuesday Weld’s brief appearance as the eccentric mother adds to the film’s overall chaotic ambiance.
Cameron Diaz and Keanu Reeves in Feeling Minnesota (Photo/New Line Cinema)
Reception for Feeling Minnesota
Feeling Minnesota grossed $1.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing 12th at the box office.
The film would gross $3.1 million in its theatrical release.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Feeling Minnesota is not for everyone. Its humor is dark, its plot is illogical, and its characters are deeply flawed. However, for those who appreciate its unapologetic eccentricity and the sight of talented actors playing against type, it is a fascinating, if flawed, relic of ’90s cinema that is worth a look.
