Lloyd Fonvielle, a director and writer, emerged in the 1980s with a distinctive voice in genre cinema. He wrote the screenplay for The Bride (1985), a unique take on the classic Frankenstein tale, showcasing his flair for blending horror with dark humor. In Gotham (1988), Fonvielle not only penned the script but also took on directing duties, crafting a gritty narrative that reflects the era's fascination with urban decay and antiheroes. His contributions to these films highlight his ability to navigate the cult film landscape, making him a notable figure in the realm of exploitation and genre cinema.
Gotham
This devilish blend of film noir and Gothic melodrama first aired August 21, 1988, over the Showtime Cable service. Tommy Lee Jones stars as Eddie Mallard, an end-of-pier private eye, hired by a millionaire (Colin Bruce) to do some snooping. Eddie's client claims that he is being hounded for money by his ex-wife (Virginia Madsen). A simple case of harassment -- hardly: the man's wife has been dead for 10 years. As Eddie investigates, he himself is confronted by the "deceased" wife, who insists that she's not a ghost and who eventually becomes the gorgeous object of Eddie's own obsessions. The stars sometimes seem as bewildered as the audience, but the film's excellent production values help smooth over the more confusing passages. Originally unrated, Gotham now carries an "R" for violence, language and sexual situations.
