Michael Winterbottom is one of my favourite directors. Each film he makes is so very different from the last. This time he makes a crime thriller set in the American mid-west.
Right from the opening credits you feel like this film was make in the 70's. The cinematography and the way the scenes play out give it a nicely old fashioned feel. One of the interesting things about this film is that everything is not explained explicitly. You get the feeling that there is a back story you don't know much about. You're given a few details to help you understand what's going on but it is not done in an obvious way. The characters don't explain things to each other as if no one knows what has happened. Everyone knows whats happened so no need to explain it again. It means that for some people you have to do something you may not be used to and that is concentrate in a movie. And it is an excellent story that makes you want to pay attention. Some people may not like it though, mostly women. Lou Ford is not a very nice man. Not just because he kills people but because of the way he kills them especially women. I'd heard some horror stories about the brutal scenes in the film and while they are quite hard to take I was kind of expecting them to be more brutal.
To a certain extent Casey Affleck has had to live under the shadow of his more famous brother. However in the last couple of years he has emerged as a brilliant actor in his own right. While he does small roles in big films like the 'Ocean's Trilogy' he has been making a name for himself in smaller budget films. Here he continues this brilliance streak with one of the creepiest performances ever. His character is not very nice but you can't help but watch to see what he'll do next. Both Jessica Alba has not made very many small budget films that require her to be more than a pretty face. I think she gives one of her best performances here as a vulnerable young lady dazzled by a big strong man. Kate Hudson has a bit of a reputations for doing some dismal films. Lately I think she has made some very brave choices. I just hope she continues on this good run. Much like Jessica this is one of Kate's best roles. She too is taken in by the charms of a nice man who will bring about her downfall.
An excellent adult thriller that challenges you as a viewer. It is refreshing to not have everything explained fully and makes you think. It also has some excellent performances from actors you don't expect to be so good. Be warned though it can be quite brutal in its depiction of violence toward women.
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