Marvelous acting and cinematography, otherwise unremarkable

Rating: 8/10 (1 February 2004)

I wasn't crazy about this movie, for reasons I can't entirely verbalize. Maybe it's because the subject matter and resolution are sordid and not in the least uplifting. However, the film is worth seeing just for the acting. The entire cast is amazing, with standout performances by Penn, Robbins, Bacon, and, especially, Marcia Gay Harden. Also, the cinematography is quite striking.