Review of Big Bad Love (2001) by Ingrid Y — 20 Nov 2008

Actor/director Arliss Howard's adaptation of Larry Brown's short story "92 Days" is a complex and heart-wrenching Southern drama. Struggling writer and Vietnam veteran Leon Barlow is trying to get his life back on track. Not only is he trying to get his work published, Barlow is also trying to reconnect with his family. Struggling with both rejections from editors and his exwife, Barlow seems to be stuck in a drunken limbo. But the death of his young daughter and a near fatal car accident involving Barlow and his best friend forces him to take control over his life again."Big Bad Love" is a heartwarming and often surreal tale of an artists trip through an emotional hell, where love both scars, heals and in the end saves.

"Big Bad Love" is visually stunning, and the supporting cast is oustanding (Paul Le Mat, Rosanna Arquette and Angie Dickinson). The soundtrack compliments the movie beautifully with contributions from both Steve Earle and Tom Waits. "Big Bad Love" is an amazing cinematic achievement, and it's a movie that deserves more attention.