Shakespearean tragedy

Rating: 9/10 (4 March 2004)

After the torpor of Blood Work, it's a privelege to see Eastwood back doing what he does best -- making tough, thoughful films that make you think about people, their relationships and about the impact of violence.

Other than Harden, every actor was at the top of their game, which speaks highly of Eastwood's mastery of the film and of the set. Every element was understated. The simplicity of the plot. The way the past is never truly dead evoked the shadow of Shakespeare and the fact that we the audience knew that Robbins was doomed -- even before he was abducted. Although I have no idea what prompted Linney's Lady Macbeth spiel, it was an altogether bracing, and movie piece. If it were 10 hours long, it would have won the oscar.