Review of Stone (2012) by Phil I — 08 Mar 2011

I think I may enjoy this film more than some, somewhat due to the expectations that follow. This is one of those films that for a few reasons could advertise it as something it isn't, partially due to previews, the persona of the stars and the look of the film itself. It's easy to expect a sort of keep you on your toes thriller, or some action driven drama. Instead what we get is a deliberate dialogue driven, straight forward premise. A convicted felon wants to get out of prison and decides to use his wife as a means to manipulate his parole officer. She seduces him, he gives in to the temptation and things begin to unravel. The strength of this story is in the dialogue though. Norton stretches again for something different, and for someone who doesn't really go anywhere and change settings in any way for the duration of the film actually gives another performance. De Niro is equally as strong as the obviously tormented and conflicted parole officer.

The depth is found in the moments where we see Deniro and his wife on the porch in usual routine. Deniro and Norton sitting across from each other desperately trying to figure the other out. And in the midst of that we have two characters, one on the brink of retirement and wondering what is left for him on the other side, the other not knowing whether he can handle another three years in jail. Both are coming at this honestly, and both are ready to utilize the situation to escape their own fears and torment.

The film also tackles the subject of faith as one character sees God in His manipulation as a sort of weird but compelling conviction, and the other finds himself wandering in world where he is 43 years married and tired of the same old devotions every morning. And it uses these two sides to play against the question of what is right and what is wrong and how God might deal with that. There is a lot of poetic imagery here, and truth be told this could use another viewing to really get the ending (which is at first dissapointing, but the more I think about it the more I am convinced there is something about the heart of the films message that is inherently wrapped up in it).

Two great actors and perhaps an overly ambitious story. The film doesn't seek to be the sort of powerhouse film you would expect, but rather flies much more subtly under the radar. But its themes of forgiveness and motivation and morality and the choices we make in life are still just as lively.