big time actors in compelling murky mystery

Rating: 8/10 (14 November 2015)

In 1975 Boston, Jimmy Markum, Dave Boyle and Sean Devine are stopped by a supposed policeman after they mark up the sidewalk. Dave is taken by the two men. He manages to escape after days of sexual abuse. In the present, Dave (Tim Robbins) is a troubled father. Sean (Kevin Bacon) is a police detective whose wife has left him. Ex-criminal Jimmy (Sean Penn) is a father of three. His daughter Katie is found dead. Sean and Whitey Powers (Laurence Fishburne) investigate. Dave was supposedly cut by a mugger that night and his odd behavior starts making him a suspect in the eyes of Jimmy and his friends.
These are big time actors here doing crazy good acting. There isn't a weak one in the bunch. The boyfriend could be better but he's a secondary character. Clint Eastwood does his minimalist directing which allows these actors to showcase their natural skills. The movie gets the sense of a place and the feel of compelling characters. It's great.