Tattoo

Some Pagan organizations conduct periodic rituals that include rededication to the Pagan God and Goddess -- voluntary tattooing can be a part of these rituals. I consider "Tattoo" a flawed Creation story, however. Bruce Dern plays Karl much like Anthony Perkin's "Psycho" role and Karl's secluded house resembles the house overlooking the Bates Motel. Kidnapped Maddy passively submits to tattooing. And I believe the exquisite pastel tattoos depicted on Maude Adams are not practical. Most tattoos use dark saturated colors for patchability, and Maddy's pastel tattoos could not be patched artistically after abrasions, winter dryness, and sunburn peeling. Maddy would be forced to become a hothouse plant to maintain her pastel tattoos' beauty.


Great Body Art   December 16, 2003
David Anderson (St. Cloud, MN)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

"Tattoo" is a unique mystery that explores a tattoo artist who becomes dangerously obsessed with a model/actress. Many twists and turns occur, keeping the mystery alive. Though few other writers have constructed such theme, there are many flaws. The kidnapping and the captive scenes could have been more detailed and more involved. Most of those scenes would never occur in that level in real life, especially the victim's escape plans. Despite such flaws, the storyline is highly creative. The body art is highly enjoyable to view. The high-tech effort involved in perfecting every detail and making them real-looking was highly noticeable. They're flawless. The acting was average. There was some potential for improvement, but that never happened. The actor behind the tattoo artist, the lead character, gave his character a deeply dangerous persona, giving the movie the extra mystery. Such depth symbolizes the movie. "Tattoo" may have mixed reviews toward its audiences. It has good details; it has some that could use great improvement. However, this will keep many entertained.


Deliciously Weird   April 9, 2002
O Wisejuan (Nowhere)
3 out of 8 found this review helpful

I love movies like this, I watch them to see just how strange they will get!!! Tattoo is more of a psychological drama, I found myself wondering what it would be like to have been in a position like that of Maude Adams' character...I was completely paranoid and even claustraphobic by the end of the movie!!!


Intense charicter study that is erotic and fun.   September 30, 1999
Mark Gierth (Knoxville, TN United States)
2 out of 9 found this review helpful

The movie is a late 710's early 80's classic, that has elements of part of all of us. Bruce Durn IS the charicter he plays, and if you let the movie flow, you will enjoy the quality of the story, desire, and intensity.