2 of 4

Write now Article Tools

When adapting a screenplay from a novel, the biggest challenge is deciding what part of the story to tell. Naturally some parts will need to be omitted. In a novel, the writer has much more liberty to explore subplots and insight into the character. In a movie however, the traditional logic is that there is one major plot, and once it is resolved, the movie is over.

Therefore whatever does not service the basic story to be told, it can compromise a great story.

Screenwriter Brian Helgeland did a very good job with this task, except for one unexpected detour at the end of the film that had not been sufficiently set up beforehand, thus stealing some of the poignancy of these unforgettable characters and their sad and tragic journey.

The premise is one of friendship and betrayal and loss; the loss of a loved one, as well as the loss of innocence. It revolves around three childhood friends; Dave, Jimmy and Sean, who grew up in the rougher area of Boston. The catalyst that would alter them all forever is when Dave is abducted by two men posing as police officers, who hold him captive. The crimes against him are not fully outlined, but they don't need to be. The audience is shrewd enough to tell exactly how sick the crimes committed against young Dave truly were.

The three men are reunited after Jimmy's daughter is found murdered. Sean (Kevin Bacon), now a police detective, must find out who murdered this girl, and he knows he has to do it before Jimmy does; as Jimmy has his own particular brand of justice.

This reintroduces Dave as a grown man, played by Oscar winning Tim Robbins, who conveys this character's inner demons with gut wrenching accuracy. The audience comes to suspect there's something seriously wrong with this guy. When it becomes clear he might indeed be a suspect for this murder, we begin to fear for him.

Because Jimmy is a take no prisoners kind of guy. An ex con, family means everything to him, and the loss of his daughter is almost too much for him to bear. Sean Penn won an Oscar for his portrayal, as well he should. He took probably the most painful experience a parent could have and made this agony palpable on the screen.

Things go from bad to worse when Dave's wife, the mousy Celeste (Marcia Gay Harden), confides in Jimmy that she thinks Dave might have been responsible for what happened to his daughter. It is a tough pill for Jimmy to swallow, especially because he knows now how he must handle it.

His way.

Meanwhile

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Mystic River?
We want to hear your view. Write now!