Buffalo ‘66 (1998) is the quintessential story of how love changes people for the best. Though this may be a cliched concept, the film depicted it in a most unusual way. This bizarre romantic comedy was directed by and stars Vincent Gallo, who also wrote the screenplay and composed the musical score for the movie. 

The movie takes place in Buffalo, New York (Gallo’s real life hometown). Billy (Gallo) is a surly, aggressive, and clearly bitter man who has just gotten out of prison. In order to keep up the charade of having “gone away on business” in front of his parents, Billy kidnaps Layla (Christina Ricci) from a dance studio where he unsuccessfully tried to use the restroom, and forces her to pretend to be his wife during dinner with his mother and father. But after the act is up and Billy tells Layla she’s free to go, she insists on staying with him. Despite his lack of social skills, or any affection towards her, Layla decides that she truly likes Billy. While Layla is experiencing what can only be explains as Stockholm syndrome-turned genuine affection, Billy too undergoes a transformation during their time together. He begins to open up to Layla, emotionally and physically, as he allows her to eventually touch him. (more…)