A film that begins in the same vain as other murder mysteries, slowly develops into something more; a much deeper study into one mans psyche as he spirals into paranoia and depression. You will soon find that your mind begins no longer to wonder who the killer is, but begins to think more about Jack Nicholson's character (Jerry Black) and his motives. Black is a detective who, on the day of his retirement, takes one last case - the murder of a young girl. On the same day he promises the parents of this girl that he will find the killer. This promise will haunt the man for the rest of his life and, unsurprisingly (given the title), the film is centred around Black's search for the killer. However, it is not a simple, formulaic plot about car chases, hidden clues, Hollywood pizazz and an easy revelation at the end of it all. The story is handled masterfully by Sean Penn who manages to create tension and suspense while presenting us with a character we both care and worry for. The film becomes more about Jerry Black than about the search for the killer.
This is one of Nicholson's best performances for quite some time and with a slight look at the camera, he is able to provide us with greater insight into his character (something lesser actors strive all their career to accomplish). What we are seeing is one of the greatest actors of all time, at his best. Like in About Schmidt, Nicholson gives us a subdued, understated performance - both much better than what he won an Oscar for in 'As Good As It Gets.'
Now, on to Sean Penn. This is only his third film to date as director and is also his best. Penn has previously said that he would rather be a director than an actor. If this were true, although we would lose one of our generations best actors, we would also gain a great director. He manages to handle the material brilliantly and provides us with a stylish and thoughtful film. By the end, the revelation of who is the killer becomes overshadowed by Nicholson's decent into paranoia, alcoholism and eventually madness (something more expertly done than in The Shining - a much overrated film, in my opinion). He loses the people he cares for and his oldest and dearest friends begin to call him a 'clown.' He becomes so obsessed with the search for the killer he makes decisions that would put people he loved in harms way - using a young girl as bait, for example. This is not the portrayal of a great man nor does it have a happy ending. But, it is the portrayal of a man who has the right intentions and of a man who wants to see justice served.
For those that care, I gave this film 9/10.
This is one of Nicholson's best performances for quite some time and with a slight look at the camera, he is able to provide us with greater insight into his character (something lesser actors strive all their career to accomplish). What we are seeing is one of the greatest actors of all time, at his best. Like in About Schmidt, Nicholson gives us a subdued, understated performance - both much better than what he won an Oscar for in 'As Good As It Gets.'
Now, on to Sean Penn. This is only his third film to date as director and is also his best. Penn has previously said that he would rather be a director than an actor. If this were true, although we would lose one of our generations best actors, we would also gain a great director. He manages to handle the material brilliantly and provides us with a stylish and thoughtful film. By the end, the revelation of who is the killer becomes overshadowed by Nicholson's decent into paranoia, alcoholism and eventually madness (something more expertly done than in The Shining - a much overrated film, in my opinion). He loses the people he cares for and his oldest and dearest friends begin to call him a 'clown.' He becomes so obsessed with the search for the killer he makes decisions that would put people he loved in harms way - using a young girl as bait, for example. This is not the portrayal of a great man nor does it have a happy ending. But, it is the portrayal of a man who has the right intentions and of a man who wants to see justice served.
For those that care, I gave this film 9/10.