Review of Dead Man Walking (1995) by Stuart K — 19 Nov 2009
Tim Robbins is well known as a reliable and talented actor, here he stepped behind the camera for this true life drama. His second film as director after his folk-rock political mockumentary Bob Roberts (1992), but here, he shows great maturity as a director, and even gets some powerful and engaging performances from his two leads.
Based on a true story, written by Sister Helen Prejean, played here by Susan Sarandon (who won an Oscar for her performance), who finds herself befriending convicted murderer Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn), who has been on Death Row for 6 years for the murder of a teenage couple with an accomplice, who received a lighter sentence because he could afford a better lawyer.
Poncelet appeals to Sister Helen, claiming he didn't do it, and wants to appeal against his sentence. Sister Helen agrees to help, but she soons learns the truth of what really happened, and she faces criticism for being with Poncelet.
It's a film which packs a big powerful emotional punch, Sarandon is brilliant as Sister Helen, and Penn is equally as good as the convicted Poncelet. One the strength of this, it's a pity Robbins hasn't directed more films, as he shows such confidence here.
He did do Cradle Will Rock (1999) after this, but nothing since. Pity really.
This review of Dead Man Walking (1995) was written by Stuart K on 19 Nov 2009.
Dead Man Walking has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
