Review of Ballast (2008) by Jennifer A — 18 Mar 2010

Contemplative and moving, this is indie minimalism at it's finest.

Ballast (2008) - 8.3/10.

Director - Lance Hammer.

Cast - Michael J. Smith, Jim Myron Ross, Tarra Riggs, Johnny McPhail.

I watched this film the same night I watched "Precious" and the contrast couldn't be more striking.

"Ballast" is the story of three desperate and lonely soulds living in the Mississippi Delta. Lawrence (Michael J. Smith) has just witnessed the suicide of his twin brother. He's so shocked about the death he can't even call the police. Marlee (Tara Riggs) is the ex-wife of Lawrence's brother. She has been feuding with Lawrence since the birth of her now 12 year old son, James. She struggles to raise James (Jim Myron Ross) as a single mother, living paycheck to paycheck working a minimum wage job while living in a run-down trailer. Meanwhile the impressionable James is becoming involved with drugs and local gang members. He even resorts to stealing from Lawrence. When James' drug debt threatens his and Marlee's safety, they take up residence on Lawrence's property. The trio must learn to live...and love together in order to overcome tragedy and build hope for the future.

Shot on a micro budget using non-actors, "Ballast" is about as minimalist as a film can get. But it's proof that you don't need lots of money, name actors or special effects to make a compelling film. It starts with a good story and writer/director Lance Hammer has a gem of a story here. A story that blends perfectly with the locale. The performances seem so natural and unique to the locale probably because these are not professional actors. The performances are emotional without feeling staged; quite an accomplishment for a film totally dependent on their authenticity. Michael J. Smith is particularly good. Many of his best moments are unspoken; exuding emotion with a pained stare or reflective glance.

The direction certainly reminds me of David Gordon Green's debut. Like "George Washington", this is a highly reflective, even poetic work. Much has to do with the beautiful camera work. They way shots are framed, the perspective or depth of focus truly add to the emotional impact of the film. And as mentioned earlier, Hammer's use of the Mississippi Delta location is like adding another lead character to the film.

So I keep thinking of this film and "Precious" which I watched back-to-back. They have similarities. Impoverished characters facing difficult situations being the most obvious. But the approach to the two films couldn't be more different. Where "Precious" insisted on constantly smacking you upside the head with one emotional tirade (and obstacle) after another, "Ballast" choses a more reflective path. It's as if "Precious" tries to upstage itself scene after scene whereas "Ballast" earns it's dramatic moments by being honest throughout. And where Lee Daniels uses every gimmick in the book, Lance Hammer uses none. When you constantly scream "I'm important, look at me" you risk losing emotional impact. "Ballast" doesn't make this mistake. It's a simple film about real people. You feel their pain and you want them to succeed. It's a shame that not many people will see "Ballast" as its by far the superior film.