There have been movies that focus on both sides of a criminal story- this movie was about a man and a woman- primarily a love story, really, the execution was a scene setter, and in no way part of the primary story (imo). I did not feel the man who was condemned to death was made to be sympathetic as a criminal. There was no implication that he was innocent- in fact in his conversation with his son the exact opposite of that was stated, by him. I thought he had committed a brutal crime, and come to terms with his punishment, and served more as a symbol of Halle's poor choices, and foreshadowed her son's death- I felt a sins of the father element, intentional or not, it was symbolically resonant for me.
I thought the sex scenes with the prostitute were wonderful- emphasizing the mechanical nature of the money for sex transaction, and standing in stark contrast to later sexual encounters in the movie. If it made people uncomfortable that is a good thing I think. Money for sex is a shabby way to approach love. I don't have a problem with prostitution, but it is certainly the Taco Bell of sexual experiences- where you get your little taco handed to you at the drive through window.
Art is as much about leaving things out, as it is about putting things in. IMO the focus on Halle's character and Thornton's character was perfect. You were allowed enough background to imagine who they were, but not given so much extraneous information as to make their story recede from prominence.
People will always disagree about art. It is the nature of the beast. I think you wanted to see a movie reinforcing the perception you have of moral order- I just go to see movies to watch whatever comes. The morality of the characters is not important to me when I judge the art. I wouldn't want my children to be most movie characters, but then again, middle class folks living blameless lives would be really boring to watch on screen. |
