Falls short

Rating: Null/10 (4 February 2004)

MYSTIC RIVER had huge potential. The storyline is tremendous, the characters complex, and the conclusion powerful. Furthermore, Sean Penn's performance is Oscar worthy. Nonetheless, I felt the picture fell short in many ways:
1) The portrayal of Katie Marcum and her friends seems unrealistic (note the girls reaction to Sean's interrogation). In fact, the writer and director never take enough time to explore the relationship between Katie and her father. The one scene they shared together was not adequate.
2) Mr. Eastwood had problems pacing the picture. For example, the juxtaposition of Brenan Harris' grief directly after Jimmy's grief is awkward.
3) Issues of tone haltered the film. Is this a mystery or drama? At times, when we're following Sean and Whitey's investigation, it feels like we're watching an episode of CSI. However, when watching Jimmy deal with his daughter's loss, the story shifts haphazardly.
4) The portrayal of Sean's estranged wife is poorly done and insufficiently resolved.
SPOILER!!!
5) After getting to know Jimmy's character (especially his background and rabid anger), I thought he would've killed Dave immediately instead of making him admit it.
6) Jimmy's wife's final speech is senseless. With the knowledge that her husband just murdered a close family friend and will probably go to jail for it, she seduces him with an erotically bizarre "king of the land" speech.
7) Although claiming to not be friends, Sean's indifference to Dave's death is incalculable.
I haven't read Denis Lehane's original novel. Therefore, I'm not sure if these issues are a result of the author, the screenwriter, or the director. Unfortunately, whatever the matter may be, I don't think MYSTIC RIVER deserved to be nominated for BEST PICTURE.