Sling Blade

E-mail Subscription

Receive an e-mail notification of new posts on this site:

Horrorphile - January 2009

Sling Blade

January 5th 2009 23:25

“I don't reckon I got no reason to kill nobody. Mmm-hmm.”

I first saw Sling Blade when it was released back in 1996. I’ve seen it a few times since then. It’s aged like a fine wine; the tone, symbolism and nuances becoming richer and more complex. Sling Blade is a dark American Gothic tale of love and death, salvation and deliverance.

Originally written as a play and made as a short half-hour film called Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade (1994); writer and star Billy Bob Thornton used the short to get a feature version funded, which he then directed. The movie has gone on to become both a bona fide modern classic as well as garnering a strong cult following as well.

Billy Bob Thornton as Karl Childers

Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) is released from a mental institution for criminals, apparently a rehabilitated man. He is returned to the small town where as a 12-year-old (some twenty-five years earlier) he had murdered his mother and her teenage lover with a Kaiser blade. However it is quickly obvious that Karl is by no means a normal citizen. Your average Joe would think him retarded; Karl walks and talks in peculiar fashion, has done since he was a boy.

Sling Blade Natalie Canerday, John Ritter and Lucas Black

Natalie Canerday as Linda, John Ritter as Vaughan and Lucas Black as Frank

Young Frank Wheatley (Lucas Black) meets Karl ouside the small Arkansas town’s laundromat and they immediately form a bond. Frank introduces Karl to his mother Linda (Natalie Canerday). A little later he meets Linda’s gay friend Vaughan (John Ritter), and also Linda’s redneck boyfriend Doyle (Dwight Yoakam).

Dwight Yoakam as Doyle

Doyle’s got it in for Frank, he can’t stand the kid. Of course, he can’t stand Linda’s faggot buddy either, nor Frank’s humped-over retard pal. It’s all too much for the beer-guzzlin’ hillbilly, and he sets out to make life for Frank and Karl hell, especially when Karl moves into the Wheatley shed. Linda understands Doyle is dangerous, but she’s trapped in an abusive relationship. Vaughan would gladly step in as step-dad, but Doyle won’t have a bar of it. It’s only a matter of time before matters turn form bad to worse.

Robert Duvall as Karl's father

Sling Blade is a languid tour-de-force of writing, acting and directing. It features a stunning score composed by U2 producer Daniel Lanois, and vivid cinematography from Barry Markovitz. Billy Bob Thornton delivers one of the most accomplished debut features from an actor directing in Hollywood history. Sling Blade resonates like the strum of a lonely steel-string in the balmy Southern night air while the crickets buzz and the snakes slither and the scraping of a steel blade cuts through the dark.

Sling Blade J. T. Walsh and Billy Bob Thornton

Karl tries to ignore the ramblings of an institutionalised inmate played by J. T. Walsh

Billy Bob Thornton is unrecognisable as Karl Childers, with his squinched eyes, jutting jaw and gravel accent, the dreadful bowl haircut, his snow-plough dragging step and those high-water pants in a lost-in-time dress sense. It’s an extraordinarily sustained performance, and Thornton should’ve won the Best Actor Oscar that year, even Best Director (he managed the Best Adapted Screenplay).

Sling Blade Billy Bob Thornton and Lucas Black

Karl and Frank share a poignant moment at Frank's secret place

As brilliant as Thornton’s acting is, also highly commendable is country singer Dwight Yoakam, out of the blue and into the black as the disquieting Doyle, and Lucas Black is excellent as inquisitive Frank. Special note must go to the late great J. T. Walsh for his short book-ending turn as Karl’s incarcerated serial killer “chum”, and Robert Duvall’s very brief, but suitably effective cameo as Karl’s disturbed and estranged father. Sling Blade was John Ritter’s last film (sadly both he and Walsh died of a heart attack aged 54).

Karl's bookmark note of hope to Frank

Sling Blade plays out like a filmed novel; almost fable-like in its studied, yet clear and concise narrative. It has a subtle sense of humour, but it is ultimately a sad and dark tale, and it leaves a deliberately bittersweet after-taste. Ultimately the movie is a virtuoso vehicle for Billy Bob Thornton, but he allows everyone to shine. It’s essential viewing for those who appreciate adult drama that rests on strong indelible performances and powerful screenwriting.

Karl trudges through the darkness before the dawn

I couldn't find a decent resolution trailer so here's the classic French Fries scene with Jim Jarmusch:

101

Vote

Subscribe to this blog

Email this post to a friend

Go to the Orble Film Channel

Start your own blog

[ Link ]

Posted By: Bryn - Category: movie reviews

Related Posts:

Relate This Post

[ Previous - Rampo Noir ]

[ Next - London to Brighton ]

Comments

11 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Janet Collins

January 5th 2009 23:58

Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog

I saw this one when it was first released in cinemas. I didn't realise that was so long ago. Your review is good. I might just try to take a look at it again some time soon.

Comment by Bryn

January 6th 2009 01:40

Horrorphile

Janet ... Definitely worth repeat viewing! Billy Bob played another memorable "retard" the year after this in Oliver Stone's excellent film soleil U-Turn as the hick mechanic (and again unrecognisable).

Comment by Damo

January 6th 2009 03:51

For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics

I herd a lot of good things about this film.
I should catch it

Comment by Always Eighteen

January 6th 2009 05:02

Always Eighteen: Japan Edition

Good review. I've only seen glimpses of it but I'm sure to watch it now.

Comment by Bryn

January 6th 2009 06:24

Horrorphile

Damo, you'd like this, yes.

Always, do it.

Comment by Cheryl J

January 6th 2009 09:28

Funny Videos
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability

Bryn, I absolutely loved this film. I was totally engrossed from the opening scene to the closing credits. Even with its languid pace you never find yourself bored. It's been such a long time since I've watched it you've completely rekindled my desire to see it again.

Fabulous review!

Comment by Bryn

January 6th 2009 12:43

Horrorphile

Cheryl, excellent to hear!!

Comment by Paul

January 7th 2009 07:58

Surreal Short Stories

Ripper review, though I do prefer left-aligned text for easier reading. These variable gaps do my tiny brain in! Then again, a ragged right edge isn't for everyone. Notwithstanding this nit-picking, I'll definitely get this movie out again. Many thanks for the expert reminder! Best regards, P.

Comment by Bryn

January 7th 2009 15:29

Horrorphile

Hi Paul,
I'm sorry you have trouble with my layout .. you're the first.
Do watch the movie again, it rewards most generously.

Comment by JohnDoe

January 15th 2009 03:22

Film & TV on DVD

Fine review of a profound film.

Billy Bob is astonishing in front and behind the lens and typewriter.

Comment by Bryn

January 15th 2009 05:14

Horrorphile

The man is a true chameleon. Cheers dude!

[ Previous - Rampo Noir ]

[ Next - London to Brighton ]

Add A Comment

To create a fully formatted comment please click here.

CLICK HERE TO LOGIN | CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Name or Orble Tag

Home Page (optional)

Comments

Notify me of replies

Notify extra people about this comment

Is this a private comment?

List the Email Addresses or Orble Tags of the people you would like to be notified about this comment

One per line max of 30

List the Email Addresses or Orble Tags of the people you would like to be notified about this private comment thread. Only the people in this list will be able to see or reply to your comment.

One per line max of 30

Your Name
(for the email going out to the above list, it can be different to your Orble Tag)

Your Email Address

(optional)

(required for reply notification)

Submit

July 2009

2 Posts

June 2009

16 Posts

May 2009

19 Posts