Indie Gems: Black Snake Moan

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Soul saving.

Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) is a former blues musician in a small, southern town. He's going through some tough times, but doesn't have it as bad as Rae. (Christina Ricci) Rae is a trashy, sexually charged girl that's suffered a life time of abuse from her miserable parents. When she's left nearly beaten to death, Lazarus decides he is going to save her. He chains her to the radiator in his home, (seriously) and while this sounds absolutely creepy he ends up being just what she needs. A kind, nurturing, individual that will help not only hear, but her boyfriend, Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) who's suffering from a bit of PTS himself.

First off, the marketing for this film was absolutely horrible. I initially didn't even want to watch it because it seemed like some trashy exploitation flick. I'm glad I gave it a shot, because it's one of the more interesting dramas I've seen in awhile. Jackson and Ricci give brave, raw performances, and even someone as horribly mediocre as Timberlake came off as pretty good. I liked the message the film sent, I liked the relationship between Lazarus and Rae. While the premise seems frightening there was nothing but good intentions there.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "God put you in my path, and I am to cure you of your wicked ways." - Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson)

Comments

  1. knitflickJune 22, 2012 at 10:08 AM

    You're right, it is a gem and the marketing was horrible. SJ and the director were the only reasons I gave it a chance. Original story introduced me to characters that I am glad I got to know.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dan O.June 22, 2012 at 11:59 PM

    Good review Brittani. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into when I saw this flick, but it definitely surprised me by the end. I thought it got a tad too preachy by the end, but it still worked and I couldn't go wrong with that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. s.June 23, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    I really need to see this one, I adore Ricci.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wilde.DashJune 25, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    Glad to see this getting some recognition from someone other than myself. I totally loved this film when I saw it and feel it's seriously one of the most underrated and overlooked movies of the last 10 years. Surprisingly endearing...why isn't Christina Ricci in better roles lately!?

    ReplyDelete

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