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'Sling Blade,' sublime bent characterizations
by Barney Basin
Gazette Reviewer
"Sling Blade" is a film that has replaced action with
interaction. This film is a character study told in a narrative
fashion, which makes it almost like reading a book. This
story doesn't happen, it unfolds through the rich recre-
ations of the residents involved. It's a video that should be
viewed twice, once for the story line and once for the
characterizations.
Director, writer and star, Billy Bob Thornton, gives an
extraordinary performance as the mentaly challenged lead
character. Not content with just giving his best as an actor
he then turns his directing skills to get the best from his
cast, which in turn raised the entire level of the production.
Just think, what a film "Metro" could have been if Billy
Bob Thornton had a hand in it.
Dwight Yoakam, who basically is known as a good guy
country crooner turns in a powerhouse performance as the
abusive boyfriend. His portrayal is so believable that you
find yourself saying, "I've known guys like that."
In watching, you wonder what make a woman, in this
case, Natalie Canerday, stay in the relationship?
As the reels roll on Yoakam reveals not only the violent
side of his character but also the vulnerable side and the
question is at least partially answered.
John Ritter, who for two years was known as TVs
leading hetero-sexual, jumped the fence in "Sling Blad."
r
It was a bold move for Ritter to try. It was also a bold
success.
The story is about a man who comes home from a
mental hospital after 25 years of confinement for a brutal
crime. He is befriended by a fatherless boy and his mother.
He is confronted by her abusive boy friend. This is the
collision course that leads to the climax.
"Sling Blade" is the weapon of choice as well as a
choice film.
Pahrump Valley Gazet,'3huayl July 24, 1997 AA1
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