The best pure drama in some time.

Rating: 9/10 (18 January 2004)

**Warning! Mild Spoilers Ahead!**
In "Mystic River," director Clint Eastwood tells a complex story of three young boys whose lives are defined by a traumatic childhood event. Now in their thirties, the men's lives are again deeply intertwined by another traumatic and violent event, the mysterious physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of which are dramatically explored in this film.

But the mystery, although strong and completely enjoyable isn't the point as much as words and characters are. In contrast to many modern melodramas, the human drama here is formed using those words and characters, rather than music, editing, and cliche forlorn looks. And drama is the prime word to describe "Mystic River," the best film of its kind since 2000's "Traffic." Action and romance are side stories here, used as devices to drive the plot forward as it focuses on the characters and their words.

Those Oscar-worthy words and characters spring from the taut script of Brian Helgeland ("L.A. Confidential"), who has brilliantly adapted Dennis Lehane's novel. The script never lapses into triteness, and the characters rarely say anything that seems out of place. This dialogue forms the foundation for a rock-solid movie that will not lose its greatness as time passes.

The actors build upon that foundation with a slew of terrific performances. The cast have received numerous accolades already, and I throw my hat onto the awards bandwagon as well. Sean Penn is being singled out for his excellent centerpiece work as the complicated Jimmy Markham, but the rest of the superb cast holds up against him with ease. Their professionalism and experience oozes through every scene of the film. Little things make the difference, like Marcia Gay Harden absent-mindedly closing an open cabinet on her way out of a room. Or Penn nearly pouring himself one last drink, then changing his mind. Or the subtle ways that Tim Robbins alters his character over the course of the film. All of these nuanced performances add up to the best dramatic ensemble in years, and I haven't even mentioned the underrated Kevin Bacon or the ever reliable Laurence Fishburne.

In his best directorial effort that I have seen (although I unfortunately haven't viewed "Unforgiven"), Clint Eastwood is remarkably efficient in delivering a classic drama in the vein of, dare I say, "The Godfather." Like Coppola's masterpiece, "Mystic River" contains many of the great themes, such as family, vengance, and justice. These motifs carry the film, allowing audience connection in a world that is foreign to most viewers. It also presents a combination of moral questions and answers that only the best dramas have. These issues are what Eastwood uses to push his film to that next level of greatness.
Technically speaking, the film is clean and simple, staying out of the way of itself and allowing the story to speak uninhibited. Editor Joel Cox (most of Eastwood's recent work) and cinematographer Tom Stern ("Blood Work") don't do anything fancy; no wild fades, zooms, or intricate editing techniques. In fact, the two are scarcely noticeable except for the commendable replication and placement of a couple key shots. Stern's background as a lighting technician is evident though, as he uses light and shadow wonderfully as he paints with a largely black and white palette. The music, largely composed by Eastwood himself (!), is also basic yet effective, providing primarily dramatic undertones, much like television's stellar "Law & Order." In fact, with its direct pacing and progressive mystery, the entire film could be described as a 2+ hour version of "Law & Order," done at a higher production level and featuring greater psychological and emotional depth.
The only problems I see in this film are characters that are difficult to relate with and one story arc that seems truncated. As I mentioned, the characters involved are so flawed and different from many movie-goers that I can see some people having a difficult time relating. However, I personally can not relate to the story, yet was still captivated, which speaks to the true power of this film. And one story arc involving Bacon's character is not fully fleshed out; although this doesn't detract, it also does not involve at the same level.
Bottom Line: This is a finely crafted film put together by a sublime mixture of technicians and actors. Topped only by "Return of the King" in 2003, Mystic River has set a dramatic standard that will be used for years to come. 9/10.