Greetings again from the darkness. This quiet little gem will probably disappear pretty quickly from theatres. I am not sure what caused the delay in its release, but for those of us who appreciate indie film-making and the importance of a decent story, it is well worth catching.
Ed Norton's performance is right there with his best work ("Fight Club" and "American History X"). He plays Harlan, a cowboy wannabe, who is delusional in his belief that he is just about the only good thing left in the world. Obviously carrying some childhood baggage, Harlan falls for the near mystical sight of Tobe (Evan Rachel Wood) whom he first spots through the rear station wagon window while pumping gas. The shot is stunning in so many ways, it caused me to buy in to the film immediately. Also, watching Norton play with his guns is fascinating stuff.
There is little more I can say about Evan Rachel Wood than what I have said in my comments on her other films ("Thirteen" "Pretty Persuasion", etc). She is a shooting star with limitless potential. The best part about her (besides talent) is her willingness to take a risk on a great part, even if it is associated with a small film. She could easily take the Kirsten Dunst / Julia Stiles path and go mainstream Hollywood, but roles are what make a great actress, not box office. I can't wait to see what ERW accomplishes over the next 5, 10 even 20 years (she is only 18 years old!!!).
To give away too much of the story would be a shame because the story is a bit off center and definitely not formulaic. Watching Wood and Norton and Rory Culkin (so wonderful in "Igby Goes Down) grow into a near family pod is on one hand very cool, while on the other, downright creepy.
Taking another in his grinding teeth and jutting jaw Mr. Intensity roles is David Morse, who has come light years from his timid wimp doc role in the fabulous TV series St. Elsewhere. Also contributing to the film is the fine, sparse sounds of Peter Salett. His ballads are a very nice touch to the unusual sites director David Jacobson shows us in the San Fernando Valley. Who knew there was that much greenery remaining? The only thing preventing this one from being rated higher are the few scenes that dip into melodrama. Jacobson does not quite have the chops to pull off the full two plus hours of running time and there are some draggy scenes. The good news is there are many more excellent scenes and overall the story is fresh and original and well presented.
Ed Norton's performance is right there with his best work ("Fight Club" and "American History X"). He plays Harlan, a cowboy wannabe, who is delusional in his belief that he is just about the only good thing left in the world. Obviously carrying some childhood baggage, Harlan falls for the near mystical sight of Tobe (Evan Rachel Wood) whom he first spots through the rear station wagon window while pumping gas. The shot is stunning in so many ways, it caused me to buy in to the film immediately. Also, watching Norton play with his guns is fascinating stuff.
There is little more I can say about Evan Rachel Wood than what I have said in my comments on her other films ("Thirteen" "Pretty Persuasion", etc). She is a shooting star with limitless potential. The best part about her (besides talent) is her willingness to take a risk on a great part, even if it is associated with a small film. She could easily take the Kirsten Dunst / Julia Stiles path and go mainstream Hollywood, but roles are what make a great actress, not box office. I can't wait to see what ERW accomplishes over the next 5, 10 even 20 years (she is only 18 years old!!!).
To give away too much of the story would be a shame because the story is a bit off center and definitely not formulaic. Watching Wood and Norton and Rory Culkin (so wonderful in "Igby Goes Down) grow into a near family pod is on one hand very cool, while on the other, downright creepy.
Taking another in his grinding teeth and jutting jaw Mr. Intensity roles is David Morse, who has come light years from his timid wimp doc role in the fabulous TV series St. Elsewhere. Also contributing to the film is the fine, sparse sounds of Peter Salett. His ballads are a very nice touch to the unusual sites director David Jacobson shows us in the San Fernando Valley. Who knew there was that much greenery remaining? The only thing preventing this one from being rated higher are the few scenes that dip into melodrama. Jacobson does not quite have the chops to pull off the full two plus hours of running time and there are some draggy scenes. The good news is there are many more excellent scenes and overall the story is fresh and original and well presented.