I missed this movie when it came out and happened across it while reading an article about Billy Bob Thornton. When I saw the it had scored 8.0 on IMDb I figured I would rush out to see it.
Perhaps, rather stupidly, I sat down to watch a masterpiece. I was therefore a little disappointed when the credits rolled at the end of the picture that I felt underwhelmed.
Now, don't get me wrong. This is a good movie without question. I felt parts of it were utterly brilliant, but I also felt that parts of it were really rather weak.
The Good Without question the standout element of the picture is the performance of Billy Bob Thorton. So good was he that I had a hard time believing it was even Thorton himself! His performance as Karl is a masterclass. Subtle, careful and quiet, yet able to convey the many emotions bubbling under the character's surface. The opening monologue is outstanding.
A shout out must also go to then teenage actor Lucas Black, whose performance as the young lad Frank is worthy of almost any adult actor in Holdwood today. I thought he was excellent.
I thought the score fit the movie perfectly, and, far from it being a slow movie, found the pacing just right....and tribute to THorton's talents as a director.
The Not So Good.
I was surprised to find out that the script won and academy award. Frankly I find it the weakest part of the movie. After the first third of the movie I had worked out the conclusion and that left me feeling disappointed. By third of the way it it was clear the the character of Karl was not going to undergo any particular major changes in the movie, and once Dwight Yokam's Doyle character showed up the writing was on the wall.
To be honest, I am not entirely sure what message Thorton is trying to convey with his script, beyond the obvious, that he can't cope or fit in on his own so works out a way to return himself to the mental hospital, but understands basic good and evil, if not the wrong doing of murder. I know people with learning difficulties and I found the way the Karl character switches from seeming understanding and lucidity at times to otherwise total inability to function a bit inconsistent, but, like I say, this is a script issue, rather than one of performance.
I also felt some of the supporting characters added little to the story, particularly those of JT Walsh's sex offender and Robert Duvall's father (who I really had hoped to learn more about), which is a shame because they really are fine and talented actors.
Conclusion The picture could have been a masterpiece, but for it's obvious predictability. Quite simply I did not find that I had to think too much to understand the movie and so for that reason alone I can't treat it as being a 10/10. I therefore give it a 7.
Perhaps, rather stupidly, I sat down to watch a masterpiece. I was therefore a little disappointed when the credits rolled at the end of the picture that I felt underwhelmed.
Now, don't get me wrong. This is a good movie without question. I felt parts of it were utterly brilliant, but I also felt that parts of it were really rather weak.
The Good Without question the standout element of the picture is the performance of Billy Bob Thorton. So good was he that I had a hard time believing it was even Thorton himself! His performance as Karl is a masterclass. Subtle, careful and quiet, yet able to convey the many emotions bubbling under the character's surface. The opening monologue is outstanding.
A shout out must also go to then teenage actor Lucas Black, whose performance as the young lad Frank is worthy of almost any adult actor in Holdwood today. I thought he was excellent.
I thought the score fit the movie perfectly, and, far from it being a slow movie, found the pacing just right....and tribute to THorton's talents as a director.
The Not So Good.
I was surprised to find out that the script won and academy award. Frankly I find it the weakest part of the movie. After the first third of the movie I had worked out the conclusion and that left me feeling disappointed. By third of the way it it was clear the the character of Karl was not going to undergo any particular major changes in the movie, and once Dwight Yokam's Doyle character showed up the writing was on the wall.
To be honest, I am not entirely sure what message Thorton is trying to convey with his script, beyond the obvious, that he can't cope or fit in on his own so works out a way to return himself to the mental hospital, but understands basic good and evil, if not the wrong doing of murder. I know people with learning difficulties and I found the way the Karl character switches from seeming understanding and lucidity at times to otherwise total inability to function a bit inconsistent, but, like I say, this is a script issue, rather than one of performance.
I also felt some of the supporting characters added little to the story, particularly those of JT Walsh's sex offender and Robert Duvall's father (who I really had hoped to learn more about), which is a shame because they really are fine and talented actors.
Conclusion The picture could have been a masterpiece, but for it's obvious predictability. Quite simply I did not find that I had to think too much to understand the movie and so for that reason alone I can't treat it as being a 10/10. I therefore give it a 7.