GOD'S POCKET (2014)

Directed By: John Slattery 
Written By: Alex Metcalf & John Slattery 
Based on the Novel By: Pete Dexter 
 Cinematography By: Lance Acord 
Editor: Tom McArdle 

Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Turturro, Richard Jenkins, Joyce Van Patten, Eddie Marsan, Christina Hendricks, Molly Price, Dominic Lombardozzi, Caleb Landry Jones, Sophie Takal


When Mickey's crazy step-son Leon is killed in a construction 'accident', nobody in the working class neighborhood of God's Pocket is sorry he's gone. Mickey tries to bury the bad news with the body, but when the boy's mother demands the truth, Mickey finds himself stuck in a life-and-death struggle between a body he can't bury, a wife he can't please and a debt he can't pay

This is a film that's hard to describe as the fact that you have seen stories like this on screen before. Though this one feels strangely authentic and that is the scary part. As the film is so downtrodden it seems almost the product of nightmares.

Luckily the film stays low key. It goes by quickly and with nary a kick. Though it takes it's time to tell it's story. It doesn't feel like it's dragging. It's surprisingly lean, though it feels indulgent. There is no real fat on the film.

The film has an amazing group of actors, who are all good and believable. You only wish the film had more to give them as far as story and quality. As while the film relies heavily on atmosphere it feels at times like it has very few places to go. It presents circumstances and challenges but very little action and story.

This being one of Philip Seymour Hoffman's last performances it is noteworthy as he is our put upon protagonist. Trying to figure his way out of a increasingly sticky situation. While also being his own worst enemy. Who seems to be one of the few semi-decent characters who while not being from the neighborhood which everyone reminds him. Still seems very much the product of it as he seems to fit perfectly in.

The film is the story of more a neighborhood that seems to be it's own trap. We just watch the inhabitants as they go about their day to day life. The main story selling point the death of a young man seems to be just one of those things. An act of senseless violence. That seems like it will become some story of investigation and seeking justice. Though it ends up just being a catalyst for changes and actions for some characters and setting in motion events.

The film seems constantly depressing as the characters seem to always make the wrong decisions and there is little to no humanity. Everyone is out for themselves. Anytime there is humanity shown it is rather surprising and usually followed by acts of merciless violence.


There are no heroes here, in this film all the characters are just trying to survive. Some feel they should have just a little extra hen the others around them. Just to feel special validate their own brilliance to themselves at least. Look like a big shot to those around them.

In reality we have characters trying to do the right thing, for the right reasons, but seem to go about it in the wrong way. Though meaning well.

The mood of the film is tipped off early by showing a punch out at a funeral. And a sex scene that is so unemotional and robotic. Sure he is getting what he wants, but his wife seems more like she is going through the motions to please her husband. Throughout the film we will see that this seems to be her nature pleasing the men around her no matter what displeasure or delusion she is under.

Throughout the story part of the main theme of the film seems to be two characters who love each other, supposedly support one another. She more then fulfills her end and the one time she really depends on him to do his. He continuously fails and botches it up and every attempt to do the right thing is him awakening to try to save his relationship and each dire act. Makes him realize how much he loves and cares about her. A way of winning back her love. I am sure I made it sound more romantic then actually intended.

This feels like a movie dipped in booze. While it slowly dries out it sobers up.

Christina Hendricks continues to come across as a desirable screen icon. She is luminous and beautiful and though she plays a grieving mother. Later in the film as she seems to be irresistible to any male. She seems oddly emotionless as her character knows better yet is shocked by the attention paid to her. She commits an act but does so with what seems little care. That has incriminating results that she oddly seems to have no concerns about. Though they affect her.

Richard Jenkins truly makes a marks as a columnist in the middle of all this investigation. While being from the neighborhood has his own demons to deal with while trying to get the story. As he is easily distracted and we get some clues for his condition. We observe his questionable prowess with women also.

In fact the entire third act of the film becomes strange at how quickly the neighborhood turns from favorable to certain inhabitants to just pure hate and the reason seems rather thin. Like it happens more because the script and story demands it rather than naturally or organically.

John Slattery making his feature film debut, Picked an exemplary story to tell. It always seems when actors choose to direct they pick material more character based and depressing that has to be gritty to bring more of a reality, but smartly pick material that allows for an ensemble to play off of and include actors friends who are more the character actor types. He could have done slot worse in material.

The film at times feels like it is trying too hard to be gritty and showcase all his grime and crime. Then at other times it wisely becomes more understated.

The film has a strangely happy ending or as close as this type of film can have.

This is a film that feels in the same world of TREE'S LOUNGE only not as optimistic and also would go well with a viewing of THE DROP only this is less exciting and feels more authentic.


Grade: B-