Review of Undertow (1949) by Younis D — 06 Oct 2009
David Gordon Green continues his fascinating examination of Southern culture with this compelling tale of brotherly betrayal and murder. DGG is one of those filmmakers whose movies feel like novels. Like his idol Malick (producer on this film), he loves to let his actors deliver lyrical monologues, so Undertow has a kind of Faulknerian style to it.
More than Faulkner, however, this movie is clearly inspired by The Night of the Hunter -- as the plot unfolds, those familiar with either Grubb's novel or Laughton's film will begin to recognize the Preacher in Deel.
And like Hunter, this film focuses on the experience of two children, who give amazing performances by the way. The camerawork in DGG's movies always produces images that remind me of WPA photographs.
Recommended for those who like their traditional fratricide served up with a strong dose of Southern Gothic.
This review of Undertow (1949) was written by Younis D on 06 Oct 2009.
Undertow has generally received positive reviews.
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