|
Theron, who seems equally comfortable inhabiting glamorous
roles in Hollywood ventures like "The Italian Job" and grungier
types in her indie films, plays Joleen Reedy, an irresponsible
single mother who has had a lot of bad luck with men. After her
latest boyfriend is arrested, she takes her daughter, Tara
(AnnaSophia Robb), and moves in with her brother, James (Nick
Stahl). She soon meets another man and runs off with him,
leaving James to look after Tara. James, a good-hearted but
simple man, wants to give his niece a home, though he is ill
equipped for the task. Eventually they end up with his own
abusive father (Dennis Hopper), the source of all the family's
problems. The script by Zac Stanford ("The Chumscrubber") takes an
unblinking look at the travails of working-class people and
hopelessly damaged families. While there are moments of humor
provided by supporting players like Woody Harrelson (as James'
co-worker), most of the movie is pretty bleak. Yet the fine
acting keeps us hypnotized. As she showed in "Monster," Theron
is perfectly willing to dispense with vanity and offer a
hard-edged portrayal of a selfish, reckless woman. Stahl has often been the best thing in very mediocre
movies. In this case, he has one of his stronger roles, and he
finds the pathos and decency in a deeply wounded man. Hopper is
suitably monstrous as the brutish paterfamilias. The movie's real find is young Robb, who has shown charm in
such movies as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Bridge
to Terabithia," and who reaches a whole new level of maturity
in "Sleepwalking." Growing up in a messy family situation, Tara
has had to develop a wisdom way beyond her years. Robb makes
her credibly tough while retaining tinges of heartbreaking
vulnerability. This is a breakthrough performance that should
do wonders for her career. First-time director William Maher brings a strong sense of
authenticity to the film. Working on a low budget with veteran
cinematographer Juan Ruiz-Anchia, Maher makes the most of the
desolate Western locations. (The film was shot in Saskatchewan,
doubling for California and Utah.) The film winds predictably
toward its melancholy conclusion, but there is a glimmer of
hope for at least a couple of the characters. Even if the movie
takes you to some dark places you would rather not visit, at
least you will remember the actors who navigate the tortured
journey. Mr. Reedy: Dennis Hopper Randall: Woody Harrelson Danni: Deborra-Lee Furness Director: William Maher; Screenwriter: Zac Stanford;
Producers: Beth Kono, Charlize Theron, J.J. Harris, A.J. Dix,
Rob Merilees, William Shively; Executive producers: Michael
Stirling, Anthony Rhulen, Charlie Mason, Justin Moore-Lewy;
Director of photography: Juan Ruiz-Anchia; Production designer:
Paki Smith; Music: Christopher Young; Co-producer: Stephen
Onda; Costume designer: Cathy McComb; Editor: Stuart Levy. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter |
Oscar winner
