Daniel
10-29-2007, 05:07 PM
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Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Elle Fanning, Jennifer Connelly, Mark Ruffalo
This irony-laden film centers on the hit-and-run death of a young boy whose parents are played by Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly. While Connelly's character struggles with the day-to-day grief of the loss of her son, Phoenix's character goes on a rage-driven hunt for the killer. He enlists the aid of an attorney played by Mark Ruffalo, ironically the very own man responsible for the loss of the young boy. Ruffalo is guilt-ridden and tries to weigh the value of being a man who should stand and take responsiblity versus being the father that his son needs him to be by being around.
Probably the most depressing movie I have seen since "Legends of the Fall" and "Man Without a Face." Nonetheless, it was a good film and reminded me a lot of "In the Bedroom," which I loved. The acting seemed a little flat with Ruffalo giving [in my opinion] the most emotionally-driven and powerful performace in the film. Connelly suffered from not having much screentime, whime Phoenix spent most of the time brooding, obssessed, or angry [true to his character, mind you]. A small, yet cute performance, was also turned in by Dakota Fanning's younger sister. At the end of the day, though, something about the performances just seemed flat. Maybe it was a bad script or a weak story, but the delivery just felt like it left something out in the end.
If you are a fan of any of the actors or happen to enjoy depressing movies, then you might check this out. People are saying this might get some Oscar nods, but I'd be hesitant to chime in with those words.
7/10
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Elle Fanning, Jennifer Connelly, Mark Ruffalo
This irony-laden film centers on the hit-and-run death of a young boy whose parents are played by Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly. While Connelly's character struggles with the day-to-day grief of the loss of her son, Phoenix's character goes on a rage-driven hunt for the killer. He enlists the aid of an attorney played by Mark Ruffalo, ironically the very own man responsible for the loss of the young boy. Ruffalo is guilt-ridden and tries to weigh the value of being a man who should stand and take responsiblity versus being the father that his son needs him to be by being around.
Probably the most depressing movie I have seen since "Legends of the Fall" and "Man Without a Face." Nonetheless, it was a good film and reminded me a lot of "In the Bedroom," which I loved. The acting seemed a little flat with Ruffalo giving [in my opinion] the most emotionally-driven and powerful performace in the film. Connelly suffered from not having much screentime, whime Phoenix spent most of the time brooding, obssessed, or angry [true to his character, mind you]. A small, yet cute performance, was also turned in by Dakota Fanning's younger sister. At the end of the day, though, something about the performances just seemed flat. Maybe it was a bad script or a weak story, but the delivery just felt like it left something out in the end.
If you are a fan of any of the actors or happen to enjoy depressing movies, then you might check this out. People are saying this might get some Oscar nods, but I'd be hesitant to chime in with those words.
7/10