When I saw how many big name hollywood legends were in this film I almost didn't watch it because whenever a movie's budget can afford that many stars, you can usally count on the fact that they couldn't afford a screenwriter.
This one suprised me in that regard, But I guess it shouldn't have. How many times have Anthony Hopkins and Kate Winslet done that kind of movie?
This story takes place in 1954, all over Lousianna. It happens to run the course of Sean Penn's Political career from lowly origins up to the day the Louisanna Legislature attempts to Impeach him from the Governership.
Some might say this story is told about his charachter since it was an extroadinary story, being voted in by the lower class and despised by everyone with power and money there.
However, the story revolves around Jude Law's character, a report that Penn takes with him along on the journey.
Jude's childhood love is played by Kate Winslett and her brother, Jude's best friend from childhood is played by Mark Ruffalo, and throughout 95% of the movie he seems to be an unimportant character until the shocking ending.
Anthony Hopkins play's Jude Law's father figure, a Judge who is not exactly best freinds with the governor. This puts Jude's character in a very messy situation when Penn tells him to dig up some dirt on the old man to use as blackmail.
Very well named, this film shuffles around all these pawns on Penn's chessboard, and you never really know if you love Penn's charachter or hate him... There's something not quite right about him, and it's facinating.
The one thing I am sure of after the movie is over is that I don't like Jude's character, who we root for more than once in the movie, and is clearly the viewpoint of the story... So all in all, I have to say I feel a bit let down. It's almost like the hero-figure fails in the end.
It really doesn't matter though, the climax was facinating and the mystery that results is something that you'll remember and think about for a long time afterwards. It's kind of haunting that way.
More details
Soundtrack
Good
How does it compare to others by the same director?
Good
Value for Money
Excellent
What format are you reviewing?
DVD
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
