fantastic production, but fundamental problems

Rating: 7/10 (9 June 2009)

A very powerful movie. Micky Rourke was brilliant, and Marissa Tomei was stunning in every sense of the word. The problem I had with the movie is that it employs some 20th century literary techniques that are at this point cliché. The movie is very well written and gripping. It appears to be an allegory of American empire. The most fundamental problem with it artistically, is that it describes the problem, but offers no solutions. That was great when Kate Chopin did it. Kind of interesting in the Death of a Salesmen, but at this point, in 2009, I think we can say that it's been done, and it is getting harder to believe with each successive remake. Wonderful movie, definitely recommended.