Samuel L Jackon gives what could be his best performance

Rating: 9/10 (25 August 2007)

Samuel L Jackson is a vastly under-appreciated actor. He has great talent but he isn't given the chance to show it. He has been typecast as an action star which isn't really fair. He has acting chops and this picture is the best showcase of them.
I know what's on your mind. "What about Jules?! Surely that is his best performance." Well it is a remarkable performance but Lazarus is a human character and it takes great talent to be a human character.
Our protagonist Lazarus is at a time in his life where he is hurt. His wife has left him and he has lost a lot of his faith in life and to a lesser extent God. He works on his farm being swallowed by his grief. His life takes a turn when he discovers a young woman named Rae on the side of the road. Rae like Lazarus has been through tough times. She whores herself out and has no real conception of love. Lazarus takes it upon himself to teach Rae a sense of morals and to respect herself. He sees it as a personal crusade and goes to the extent of chaining her to an old radiator to see it done. Rae is resistant at first and she tries to escape. She cusses at Lazarus and rapes Lazarus' young friend. After some time Lazarus' lessons begin to sink through and they both are benefited by this relationship.
Black Snake Moan is an absolutely outstanding film. We care deeply about our characters and that is why it is an engaging drama. Lazarus is a likable character and we feel for him. Jackson deserves all the praise in the world for choosing this project. It's a Morgan Freeman role but Jackson gives it more warmth and fire than we could expect from Freeman. I hope he gets Oscar consideration.
All the performances are good even Timberlake. He's not a great actor by any stretch of the imagination but he shows potential and with a few more roles under his belt we could have something there.
The movie's only real fault is that it grows too long, we have a very strong four star movie in this 3 and a half star one.