great acting by Penn, convoluted plot with too many loose ends

Rating: 7/10 (26 October 2003)

Great acting makes this movie. Penn and Robbins are just great. Bacon is well.... bacon.(but we can still play 5 degrees of separation). I have not read the book but can only imagine that the book was much better than the movie. I understand Eastwood wanted to do the movie because of the complexity of each character. Duely noted. I am sure the book clearly develops each character and clearly examines the plot. Unfortunately the plot in the movie is too convoluted and leaves too many loose ends. As the movie fades to black we are still left wondering about Bacon's character and his marriage. So as not to spoil the movie I will stay rather vague, but the murder plotline is really weak. All and all a good movie (7/10). I guess Eastwood can be forgiven for his "Unforgiven" plot. Penn should get an Oscar nom.