Word: sling
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Nominees: Tom Cruise, Jerry Maguire; Ralph Fiennes, The English Patient; Woody Harrelson, The People vs. Larry Flynt; Geoffrey Rush, Shine; Billy Bob Thornton, Sling Blade...
Like "Gump," "Sling Blade" creates a fascinating protagonist but never fully decides what to do with him. Thornton is nonetheless a wonder to behold in the role, the rare actor who turns obvious mannerisms into a palpable personality. Karl ends all of his sentences with a guttural self-affirmation ("I don't reckon I got no reason to kill nobody, mmmhmmm") as though all of his statements contained a deeper truth that he alone fully appreciates...
...Sling Blade" is, moreover, a genuine ensemble piece. Thornton is attentive and respectful of all of his characters, even of the monsters, and it avoids becoming, like another recent auteur project, "The Kenneth Branagh Story...
...anything, "Sling Blade" spreads the wealth so broadly over so many characters and events that the dramatic focus meanders. A little Tarantino-style, non-linear narration might have added some tension, but then again, Karl's story should be as steady and straightforward...
...picture was born as a short film and probably should have stayed that way, since I reckon no conclusion this certain needs a build-up this long, mmm-hmmm. To its credit, though, "Sling Blade" plays out among real human beings, a welcome break in a year of airborne cows and impossible missions. A few swift cuts in the editing room and Thornton could have had a real winner. As is, "Sling Blade" is a worthy runner...