Unusually bleak picture of American landscape.

Rating: Null/10 (7 November 2003)

I found this an unusually refreshing picture of America, speaking as an English person who has usually seen America consistently portrayed in movies in a much more slick and glossy way during my fifty odd years of watching Hollywood films. It's unusual to see paint peeling from the window frames for example, a small thing to note, but still a very noticeable detail. Congratulations to the great Clint Eastwood for showing it like it is. Slightly disappointing in that the outcome was a bit predictable fairly early on, but the acting is worth the entrance money. A cast to die for!!. The first half of the film was the best, quite difficult to watch at times for its realistic detail. Sean Penn has had a lot of praise in the British press, although I thought the other three leading actors were just as good, particularly Kevin Bacon as the cop. The biggest impression though for me was left by Marcia Gay Harden who I thought gave an Oscar worthy performance as Tim Robbins' wife. Never has an actress acted so scared in a movie. She was brilliant. What a surprise seeing Eli Wallach, a case of The Good directing The Ugly!!! and after all these years. A little lighthearted treat amongst all that gloom. Nice touch Clint.