### Rediscovering *Jade*: A 4K Revival of a Cult Classic
**In June 2025**, the controversial thriller *Jade* is making waves again with a **new 4K release** from Vinegar Syndrome. Yet, as with many revivals of lesser-known films, not everyone is thrilled. Despite its past criticism, I’ve been on the frontlines for three decades, defending William Friedkin’s 1995 opus—often a **hill of beans** worthy of battle.
**While most cinephiles celebrate Friedkin’s iconic works**, such as *The French Connection* and *The Exorcist*, few have rallied around *Jade*. Why is this former star of the erotic thriller genre treated with such disdain?
### Friedkin’s Ambitions and Industry Politics
William Friedkin has always been a director unafraid to embrace the chaos of filmmaking. He once boldly claimed that *Jade* contained some of his **best work**—a statement that may prompt some head-scratching. However, you can’t deny that the film has a lot to offer in terms of sleek production and compelling narrative.
Overseeing the project was **the legendary Robert Evans**, best known for his work on *The Godfather*. Evans believed that resurrecting Friedkin’s talents to craft a **sexy, bloody thriller** paired with stellar acting could lead to a box office hit. Unfortunately, this satisfaction was short-lived. He failed to see the backlash growing against screenwriter **Joe Eszterhas**, whose career roller coaster included hits like *Jagged Edge* and *Basic Instinct*, but also left viewers scratching their heads with *Showgirls*.
### Unpacking the Plot of *Jade*
Set against the backdrop of the 1990s, *Jade* dives headfirst into the **dark underbelly of political and sexual corruption**. The story follows Assistant District Attorney **David Corelli** (David Caruso) as he investigates the gruesome murder of corporate businessman **Kyle Medford**. Medford is found dead in his **opulent Bay Area home**, a ceremonial hatchet gleaming from the crime scene.
Complications arise when Corelli discovers a murderous connection involving **Katrina Gavin** (Linda Fiorentino), the spouse of his influential friend and rival, **Matt Gavin** (Chazz Palminteri). As Corelli delves deeper, he uncovers a web of **political scandal and sexual depravity** linked to powerful figures, including the state’s governor, **Lew Edwards** (Richard Crenna).
### Engaging Themes and Strong Performances
While it may have stumbled in the box office, *Jade* boasts a **captivating storyline** rich with themes of hypocrisy and moral decay. The performances outshine expectations, with talents like **Holt McCallany** and **Michael Biehn** elevating the narrative. Biehn, in particular, rocks a luscious head of hair and an equally stunning mustache, crafting a character that draws viewers into the unfolding mystery.
Friedkin embraces genre tropes—think **locker-room banter, seductive dances**, and even *Cruising*-esque elements like inflatable harmony pillows. What sets *Jade* apart, however, is its audacious **car chase scenes**. One intense sequence sees Corelli’s brakes cut, sending his car careening down the steep San Francisco hills. Another unforgettable chase unfolds in **Chinatown**, where the action unravels amidst a vibrant dragon parade, providing a fresh cinematic twist on traditional action storytelling.
### Classy Trash: The Essence of *Jade*
The film surprises with its exploration of **male sexual corruption** told with a nonchalant realism that attracted criticism from the outset. For those hoping for a more graphic exploration of sexual themes, the film disappoints, but its brisk 91-minute runtime ensures that it never overstays its welcome.
One telling line captures the essence of the narrative: “He not only knows where the bodies are buried, he buried a lot of them himself.” This idea succinctly summarizes the film’s take on the **duplicity and moral ambiguity** inherent in political gameplay.
### The Legacy of *Jade*
Had the original cast comprising stars like **Warren Beatty, Julia Roberts**, and **Kenneth Branagh** not passed, perhaps *Jade* would have enjoyed a different legacy. Despite its mixed reviews, the film undeniably serves as a thrilling time capsule of 90s cinema, a **cult classic** that deserves another shot at appreciation.
Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, the **4K release of *Jade* offers an opportunity** to reevaluate a film that, despite its flaws, remains an intriguing blend of style, controversy, and, yes, a dash of **classy trash**.
