Introduction I read the book on which this film was based about a year ago. By Dennis Lehane, I thoroughly enjoyed the story - it was one of those can't get to sleep until I've finished sort of books. When I realised there was a film version, I wasn't particularly interested in seeing it, until I read the reviews, which were very complimentary. And the film one two Oscars - Sean Penn won one for Best Actor and Tim Robbins one another for Best Supporting Actor. It is rare that I think that films based on books are as good as the original story, but in this case, I was not disappointed.
The director Clint Eastwood is, of course, most famous for his acting roles in classics such as Dirty Harry and Rawhide. Over the last few years, he has, however, began to make a name for himself as a director, including films such as Mystic River, The Bridges of Madison County and Million Dollar Baby.
The plot Three childhood friends, Jimmy Markum, Dave Boyle and Sean Devine are reunited over the murder of Jimmy's beautiful young daughter, Katie. Sean is one of the detectives assigned to the case and Dave, who has had some contact with Jimmy over the years, was one of the last people to see Katie alive.
As a sub-plot, there is also the story of the same three friends as children playing out in the road, when they are stopped by two men claiming to be police. They force Dave into the car; after which he goes missing for several days, until he manages to escape. The three boys' friendship is never quite the same after this episode.
As the investigation into Katie's death continues, it becomes clear that Dave, who didn't return home until very late that night and was covered in blood, is trying to hide something. But was it as innocent as he claims? Or has his past come back to haunt him?
The actors/characters Sean Penn, who plays Jimmy Markum is good in the role, although as often seems to happen with him, he plays 'hard' roles that suit the way he looks, so I'm never very sure how much of the roles he plays actually involves acting. Jimmy has done time in prison, although the birth of his first daughter, Katie, and the death of his first wife seems to have softened him somewhat. Despite this, he still has his contacts in the criminal world. Sean Penn won an Oscar for this role, but I'm not sure if it was really deserved.
Tim Robbins, on the other hand, who plays Dave Boyle totally deserved his Oscar for best supporting actor. He is a slightly mysterious character; Robbins makes us recognise that there is something inside of him of which he is afraid and he can't even tell the truth to his own wife. I think Tim Robbins is a much underestimated actor - his best-known films include War of the Worlds and High Fidelity, but I'm surprised that he is not better known. He is also a director, having directed such films as Dead Man Walking.
Kevin Bacon as Sean Devine did an above average job, although he didn't particularly stand out for his acting skills. But then his role is the most minor of the three main characters. He certainly added to the quality of the film rather than took away from it.
Classification: 15 Length of film: 137 minutes
Conclusion This was an excellent adaptation of a first-class thriller. The actors were good, particularly Tim Robbins, but the main advantage to the film is the superb screenplay, written by Brian Helgeland, which is very closely based on Dennis Lehane's book. Even though I knew the ending, the build-up during the course of the film was gripping and I was still at the edge of my seat. What a shame that there aren't more film adaptations of books as good as this. Highly recommended if you like taut thrillers that keep you guessing until the end - and even if you already know the original story.
The DVD is available from play.com for £6.97.
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Advantages: An acting masterclass by the cream of the crop Disadvantages: Some ends left untied but this is also part of the fantastic unnerving feeling the film generates throughout.
audreyh 10.02.2005 (10.02.2005)
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