Ambiguity in characterization

Rating: 9/10 (2 June 2003)

I liked this movie a lot, but what I liked best was the ambiguity in the characters. Jerry is a jerk, and probably inherently larcernous. One suspects that the reason he needs money is to feed a gambling addiction. He is more weak and feckless
than malevolent, and although he sets this carnage in motion, he is not
ultimately responsible for the turn it takes. His wife is much the nonentity and certainly does little for his self-esteem. Their kid is also a loser,, but he does appear to have some redeeming features.The father-in law is a real jerk; I was really uncertain of the degree until I watched him and his financial guru cut Jerry out of the parking lot deal. However, he certainly doesn't deserve to get shot.The two kidnappers are great studies in abnormal psychology, the Marlboro Man is
a classic psychopath. The nerd is a classic loser and screw-up trying to act like a tough guy. One suspects he has been brutalized since childhood and most
especially in prison. The Indian, the two hookers and the escort service cutie are really well done. You can't help feeling sorry for them. The pregnant lady sheriff is almost perfect. The reviewers from Minnesota say the Scandanavian accents
are bogus; why would the director do this in a movie with a lot of realism? GTM