Review of Sling Blade (1996) by Nathan C — 14 Aug 2012

A strange yet ultimately fascinating modern masterpiece. In all its simplicity, this is one deep movie that is much more than it appears to be, which "I reckon is just fine to me, mmhmm".

Karl Childers, a mildly retarded man, has spent his life at an institution since the age of 12 after killing his mother and a man who she slept with -- and who frequently abused Karl. Decades later, he is released from the institution after being deemed well and out into the real world he goes, having learned his lesson. He works as a mechanic, befriends a younger child and his widowed mother, and is taken in by them. However, he must deal with the mother's abusive and depraved boyfriend...

Billy Bob Thornton delivers an accomplished performance as Karl onscreen, giving us a memorable and intriguing character that transcends his role. Offscreen, he is equally accomplished in the writing and directing departments, with a thoughtful, meditative script and subtle, brilliant direction to boot. The rest of the cast, especially the likes of Lucas Black, Dwight Yoakam, and John Ritter, is natural, lending a great support to Thornton's one-man show. As slow as it may be, this movie is never dull. Ha ha. There's plenty of off-beat emotion and Southern warmth to elegantly contrast with its brutal honesty and unsettling subject matter. Unusual but great music as well as picturesque cinematography help establish an atmosphere that works like a charm.

There's hardly any fault in this film for me. Except that this movie isn't quite as powerful as it could've been, primarily in the last act. It can be a tough viewing for some not only for its pace, but because of what occurs offscreen.

All in all, "Sling Blade" is an extraordinary achievement for Billy Bob Thornton as well as for cinema in the 90's. Already, as a result of its great ambience and compelling material, this movie is one that'll be worthing watching over and over again.