 Monster's Ball (2001) The two are drawn together not by this event, but through the shared experience of losing their sons in similarly sudden and horrible ways. The air of grief that hangs over the film threatens at many points to suffocate it entirely, but the subtle and deeply real performances keep the viewer engaged and prevent any ultimate clickaway to "Blind Date" or whatever for levity. Thornton is astonishing in a role that is almost entirely below the surface; Berry is so real that it's actually painful to watch her in some scenes. The two have a much-talked-about sex scene that is realistic, yes, but also sort of unpleasant and sad instead of sexy … because life, I remind you, is rarely like "Sex & the City." Peter Boyle is good as Thornton's even-more-racist father, and he shares a really devastating moment with Berry … although for some reason, at this point I just want Peter Boyle to go away. I used to love him, but I think "Everybody Loves Raymond" has soured me permanently on him. So, since this is the only time I'll probably ever get to use this pun, let me say: "I WANT BOYLE REMOVED." Puffy is affecting in a short performance as the death-row dad giving some final words to his son and wife. Mos Def is even better in a really confident, sensitive role as a father who interacts with Thornton at various stages during the white man's emotional journey – rare to see a rapper underplaying his role onscreen, but Def is just perfect. The direction is languid, but appropriate, and things never resolve the way you'd expect. It's dire stuff, but deep, and mostly great. A few scenes seem too "script-y," like you can tell they're just setting up something for later, but nothing too glaring. Well worth it if you're in the mood for something heavy. Stupid title, though.
Review by Taegu V. Nonpartisan |