by Valdemar Gameiro

Created on: March 05, 2007   Last Updated: November 05, 2010

When you bring up Samuel L. Jackson, the thought of "Pulp Fiction's" jerry curled gangster Jules Winnfield immediately comes to mind. After his critically acclaimed break-out performance in the 1994 smash hit, Sam Jackson's career experienced a meteoric rise which has produced some of the most profound and powerful characters ever put on film. And his latest offering in "Black Snake Moan", one of the biggest successes at this year's Sundance film festival, does not disappoint. Jackson stars as Lazarus, a grizzled old blues man coping with the end of his marriage and trying to pick up the pieces of his life when he happens upon Rae, a troubled young girl left beaten and unconscious just outside his front door. Lazarus takes it upon himself to care for her and try to counsel through her time of trouble. Things take a turn for the bizarre, however, when Rae wakes up to find herself chained to a radiator in a stranger's house.

Christina Ricci plays Rae, a notorious nymphomaniac who has to deal with the demons of her sordid past when the love of her life Ronnie goes off to the military. Ricci began acting at the age of 9 in the movie "Mermaids" opposite Cher and Winona Ryder. Having been mostly ignored by mainstream Hollywood most of her career, Ricci became a powerhouse in offbeat indie fare like "The Opposite of Sex", "Buffalo 66", and "Pecker". Her professionalism and commitment to quality earned her a small but fiercely loyal following in the independent film world. The raw sexuality portrayed by Ricci in "Moan" comes as a surprise from an actress who has never seen herself as sexy or provocative (although I'm sure many of her young male fans would disagree).

The juxtaposition of Jackson and Ricci works well, not just for the stark physical contrast between the two. They play well off of each other. Ricci's fiery hot-blooded Rae is tempered by Jackson's cool and steady portrayal. The bond that forms between Lazarus and Rae is beautifully articulated.
The abundance of nudity, sexual overtone, and profanity in the movie might be viewed by some to be unwarranted, but I feel it serves the story and helps move it along. The subject matter involved in the story is hard to deal with. Sexual indiscretion, rape, child abuse, this movie touches on some very difficult themes. I think the film makers did a good job of being frank and giving depth and meaning to the more raw material.

I can also appreciate how the film's stars broke new personal ground while filming. Sam Jackson learned to play a scathing guitar and sing the blues. The scene where he gets up on stage and sings a song called "Bucket 'o Blood" is well worth the wait. And normally shy and reserved Ricci spends most of the film prancing around in little more than a tattered shirt and panties (sometimes far less) and dragging around a real steel chain. Those kinds of personal touches and sacrifices in a way help me feel more of a connection between the performer and their character. The cast is nicely rounded out by Justin Timberlake, who continues to impress as Ronnie, Rae's lover who is plagued by bouts of anxiety. S.Epatha Merkerson and John Cothran Jr. turn in marvelous supporting performances as Angie, Lazarus' new love interest, and Reverend R.L. Lazarus' best friend and local preacher. They add a touch of lighthearted comedy and romance which helps take the edge off of the heavy subject matter.

Aside from the creative plot (to say the least) from writer/director Craig Brewer, who brought us 2005's "Hustle and Flow", and amazing performances, the movie is treated to a blistering blues soundtrack. Put it all together and you've got a great time for the moviegoer who's looking for more than just your usual popcorn fare.

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