A decent enough film powered along by a truly astonishing performance by writer/director/star Robert Duvall. Other than that though it's frankly a little dull with only the gorgeous southern American scenery adding any comfort. Duvall stars as Sonny, a wayward preacher who, after one too many run-ins with his ex-wife and her new lover, finds himself on the lamb and wanted for murder. He ends up in a little town in the middle of nowhere and begins to rebuild his life and spread the word of God knowing full well that the police will close in on him eventually. You feel very much for Duvall because you can see the power and belief of his character and the self-destructive streak that results.
It's also probably the best religious film ever made due to it's generally pro-Christian atmosphere but also it's unwillingness to shirk from the fact that we all are, at the end of the day, merely human. This balanced perspective allows it to not be to depressing nor to sugar-coated. Still, it drags a little in places and the lack of any real supporting characters puts too much emphasis on Duvall. He's great don't get me wrong, but a little more exploration of those around him and the effect his powerful beliefs have on them wouldn't have gone amiss. |
