Directed By: Anjelica Huston
Written By: Anne Meredith
Based on the Book By: Dorothy Allison
Cinematography By: Anthony B. Richmond
Editor: Eva Gardos
Cast: Jena Malone, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gleanne Headley, Ron Eldard, Dermot Mulroney, Diana Scarwid, Lyle Lovett, Michael Rooker, Christina Ricci, Grace Zabriskie, Pat Hingle
Difficult tale of poor, struggling South Carolinian mother & daughter, who each face painful choices with their resolve and pride. Bone, the eldest daughter, and Anney her tired mother, grow both closer and farther apart: Anney sees Glen as her last chance.
I’m not going to lie this is an extremely difficult film to sit through and not be affected.
The first major role of what would become future Character actress Jena Malone and she does make a powerful mark here. She shows the oft for acting here. She would soon exhibit in future movies and roles. Here she is so precious her voice is like a whisper. Which only helps magnify her as a victim. It shows her strength by surviving with her head up ad shows an unbelievable amount of bravery in her performance.
Not a delicate subject matter and while certain scenes are not exploitive the are she do watch. Though I do recommend the film. It is not for the faint of heart emotionally.
I can imagine the bombastic subject matter is what interested Ms. Huston and the quality of the writing and the delicate nature of characters is what Inspired her to take it on. As the subject matter isn't dainty it makes the viewer take notice, pay attention and feel something
It seems like Anjelica Huston stopped directing after this and another film AGNES BROWNE. It's a shame as she obviously has talent inherited from her father and natural. She now seems to only act sporadically. I have nothing against her as an actress, but I wish she would switch as keep with directing more steadily.
The film is her directorial debit and it is brutal. She doesn't shy away from the more troubling aspects and scenes of the story. As ultimately viewing the film is rewarding in it's own way.
The film is very atmospheric a southern gothic. Though not shiny. It's gritty and dirty on a good way. Down home south had never looked so authentic. Reminding the audience of her father’s directorial work
This film based on the book by Dorothy Alison is a story of Bone who is abused by her stepfather physically and sexually.
The film is heartbreaking, but it's a survivors tale and a lot of the actors in the cast have never been better. Even Lyle Lovett is good. Dermot Mulroney definitely makes an impression he is debonair and charming in his small role. Some of the most dynamic acting of his career. I wish he had made this kind of impression in the film STOKER. One of the few times he doesn't seem creepy or scuzzy. Jennifer Jason Leigh proves again why she is one of my favorite actresses working, As she shows there is nothing she can't do. Nor any role she is afraid to take and deliver. The only thing she can't seem to do is win acting awards or get noted for the depth of her performances. She is usually at her best playing damaged roles as there is one scene here. Where she makes a decision that is unbelievably tragic and heartbreaking.
Ron Eldard is a good actor who I have to give credit for being brae enough to take the role he has here. Because after this performance it's hard I erase him and his character out of your head and very easy to hate him and believe it is within him as he plays the role so believably.
Spoiler
The decision made by her mother isn't about punishment. It's the depth of what she sees as love and low self esteem feeling she can't get any better and for her own happiness choosing this man who she knows has abused and die. Wretched things to her child but treats and supports her personally nicely. So she chooses him over her own child who she see's as a burden, but a constant reminder of her lost love. It's a shame and a phenomenon that still exists only not as deep and more selfish.
Spoiler end
Grade: B
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