JohnDoe
Bryn
BrentonSling Blade (1996) - Footage Included
April 17th 2008 00:00
The Nature of the Beast, The Beauty of the Innocent
The U.S Director's Cut - Unavailble in Australia
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black, Robert Duvall, Dwight Yokam, J.T Walsh, John Ritter,
“Some folks call it a sling blade, I call it a kaiser blade.” – Karl Childers
To try and distil the essence of Billy Bob Thornton’s directorial opus Sling Blade is to address the full myriad of humanities emotions, frailties and strengths. It is a film that challenges with intensity while simultaneously leaving you in awe of its beauty.
At its core it’s a tale of redemption and sacrifice, friendship and love. Delicate yet volatile, complex and tender this is a drama of such passionate telling that it helps you understand the very nature of mankind.
“I learned to read some. I read the Bible quite a bit. I can't understand all of it, but I reckon I understand a good deal of it. Them stories you and Mama told me ain't in there. You ought not done that to your boy. I studied on killing you. Studied on it quite a bit. But I reckon there ain't no need for it if all you're gonna do is sit there in that chair. You'll be dead soon enough and the world 'll be shut of ya. You ought not killed my little brother, he should've had a chance to grow up. He woulda had fun some time.” – Karl Childers
The story begins down South in a mental institution where a psychologically stinted, simple man named Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) has been committed since 12 years old. Mentally handicapped he is a quiet outcast who many years ago misinterpreted sex as violence and in an act of unimaginable violence murdered his mother and her lover.
“I don't reckon I got no reason to kill nobody. Mmm.” – Karl Childers
A grown man now released back into society with a handicap, he returns to his hometown despite his disconnection with the outside world. Mechanically gifted and unassuming Karl gets a job in a garage fixing engines and soon befriends Frank Wheatley an innocent 12 year old boy without prejudice.
“I don't think anything bad ought to happen to children. I think the bad stuff should be saved up for the people whose grown up. That's the way I see it.” – Karl Childers
In many ways Karl is still a child himself and as this purest of friendships develops with Frank many things he doesn’t understand form the catalyst of impending disaster and retribution.
“Hey is this the kind of retard that drools and rubs shit in his hair and all that, 'cause I'm gonna have a hard time eatin' 'round that kind of thing now. Just like I am with antique furniture and midgets. You know that, I can't so much as drink a damn glass of water around a midget or a piece of antique furniture.” – Doyle
I feel like some Fried taters mmm
John Doe says:
Remaking his own award winning 1994 short film “They Call It a Sling Blade”, Billy Bob Thornton delivers a film of startling, almost unbearable power and originality. Technically astonishing Sling Blade is drenched in a deep southern drawl of atmosphere and poetic pacing.
There is nothing simple in its execution, nor in the after effects of viewing. Morality and motivation are subjective. Humour permeates from the purity of situations and while never removing it’s cut throat razor sharpness and confronting honesty.
In lesser hands this could have easily been just another piece of schmaltzy cinema but the deft handling of this character driven story results in something truly unique and infinitely intriguing.
The cinematography seldom announces its splendour but often punctuates scenes. The musical score too lurks around frames, giving enough depth to confirm the intended mood.
Billy Bob’s screenplay unfolds with a deliberate, organic pace, that reflects the lead character ambling walk through life. Bold, intuitive dialogue at pivotal times keeping the viewer aware of the subtle yet clear intent.
As far as acting goes you won’t find many better in the last 25 years. Intensely focused, Billy Bob Thornton’s (Bad Santa, The Man Who Wasn’t There, One False Move) distorted facial movements, astonishing body language and brave accent never falters. You soon forget that you are watching a recognisable Star, it’s easy to believe every moment of the handicapped Karl. To find testament of his dedication you need only observe that he placed broken glass in his shoes in order to sustain the disjointed swagger of his part.
Lucas Black (Jarhead) fresh from his dominant role in the under appreciated American Gothic series again brings a maturity to the part of Karl’s youthful companion that is seldom reached by a child actor.
The late great John Ritter (Three’s Company, Bad Santa) in an against type serious part is equally impressive as the small town homosexual who lives in a self conscious state. Country music sensation Dwight Yokam (The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada) of also lodges a pitch perfect turn playing an abusive, red neck slime.
It comes as no surprise that Robert Duvall (The Godfather, Assassination Tango, Badge 373) makes his small part as Karl’s close minded father a memorable one.
For John Doe this is as good as a movie can be, as they say, “you will laugh, you will cry and you will be profoundly moved”. Highlighting the Academy Awards disconnection from quality cinema. Personally he feels it should have won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. It rightfully won for Adapted Screenplay and Billy Bob was nominated for his sublime performance, losing to Geoffrey Rush in Shine, admittedly a fine portrayal too. The biggest travesty is that Sling Blade is currently unavailable on DVD in Australia and JD had to purchase a copy from the U.S. A blessing in disguise the double disc special edition is a Directors Cut loaded with incisive extra features.
Billy Bob as Karl Childers tells the tale of his mothers murder with intensity
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Comment by Cibbuano
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Looks good.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
A truly great American "wilderness" drama ... and John Ritter's career-defining (and final) performance.
Hats off to Billy Bob, who would've thought ...
Great review to JD ... you seem to be pulling the hit parade votes all round, good to see ...
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Sling Blade is a film that invaded my world and has never left...you may want to pick up the U.S DVD its superb
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Sling Blade is a film taht demands reflection and re-evaluation, I only hope its released in Australia eventually.
I hope you get to see it sometime.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I've been purposefully pulling out a few of the films that have had a profound effect on me. Hard to review, but rewarding in the end.
Ritter worked up until his death in 2003...he was alongside Billy Bob again in Bad Santa that same year. No argument it was the water mark of his fine career, a departure from his comedy that must be admired.
Always makes me smile when you dig my reviews, thanks.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Agreed Sling Blade is pretty close to perfect filmmaking. Though I do love Billy Bob's One False Move which he co-wrote and is Directed by Carl Franklin.
The Coen's Man Who Wasn't There IMO has Billy Bob at his best acting wise (after SlingBlade of course).
Dwight does do a bang up job as the redneck nemesis reflecting a close mind society.
Thanks for the sincere comments.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Profound effect is exactly what Sling Blade has. You know I'm with you on the Academy issue, so easily teh Best Picture of the year....morons!
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I love a lot of Billy Bob's work, but do feel Sling Blade will forever be his highest point creatively...his performance in Man Who Wasn't There is almost as masterful though.
1942 you say, thats cool as, I hope my longevity is as solid.
Thanks for dropping by.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Billy Bob has indeed gone for the money recently and often seems to be the only good thing in lame films. (Bad News Bears, Mr Woodcock etc) I think his last decent work was for The Polish Brothers (Twin Falls Idaho, Northfork). in The Astronaut Farmer in 2006.
Sad, but seems to be the way of things for many who get excessive attention.
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If I'd been in Billy Bob Thornton's place, I'd have retired after making that film. Too tough an act to follow!