"Raising Cain": De Palma's Misunderstood Masterpiece (Fight Me)

Okay, I know, I know. "Raising Cain" gets trashed. People say it's disjointed, confusing, a mess. And yeah, De Palma went back and re-edited it after the initial negative reactions, so we're already starting from a weird place. But hear me out. It's supposed to be disjointed. It's supposed to be a bit of a head-scratcher. That's kind of the point, isn't it? This isn't some paint-by-numbers thriller. Carter Nix (Lithgow, obviously killing it) is a total unreliable narrator, even to himself. The film is reflecting HIS fractured psyche. Think about the constant shifts in perspective, the dreamlike quality of certain scenes. It's internal. It's not about objectively following a linear plot, it's about experiencing his breakdown – or rather, multiple "comings apart". The whole 'twins' and multiple personalities thing isn't just a gimmick. It's a visually arresting way to show a man at war with himself and his genetics. And honestly, I think the 'bad' acting some people complain about is intentional. It's heightened, operatic. It lends to the artificiality of the whole thing. It's like De Palma's saying, "don't get too comfortable, don't think you know what's going on." Like when Jenny (Lolita Davidovich) is just running around screaming and acting like a total idiot. It's not great acting, no, but fits with the chaos. It kinda throws you off balance. The ending, with the 'twins reunited' is so over-the-top it somehow comes back around to being brilliant. Maybe I'm just a contrarian, but I think people dismiss this one way too easily. It's a stylish, disturbing, and ultimately rewarding film if you're willing to surrender to the madness. So, bring on the hate. I'm ready. But before you do, watch it again. Really watch it. Stop expecting neat and tidy and let De Palma mess with your head. I dare you. Also, quick question: does anyone ACTUALLY like the re-edit? I've never met someone who prefers that version but would love to hear other takes.