Black Snake Moan

'Moan with pleasure'

When Craig Brewer's first hit the big scene with Hustle & Flow, there was a lot of critical dismissal despite the strong reviews most critics gave to it and Terrence Howard's performance. When the film went on to gain several nominations at the Academies, tunes were changed and the film was recognized for what it was, a film exploring the roots of hip hop and what that style of music means to some people and how things can be. It always helps that Howard won an Oscar for it. Of course, as soon as the trailer for Brewer's next film came out, Black Snake Moan, people dismissed him again calling him a one-time hack and got lucky with the good casting of Terrence Howard in his last film. I'll admit that the casting scenario of Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, and Samuel Jackson sounds like a pseudo bad comedy and that the trailer screamed sexploitation with the craziness of Ricci's character being chained to a radiator next to a cursing Samuel Jackson. I mean lets face it, the last time I remember Ricci being in a good movie was Casper and Jackson had just come off of the great success of Snakes on a Plane. Plus, I had heard that Justin Timberlake acts and never sings while Samuel Jackson does sing, which I had no idea what to expect. So I blew it off.

But man, when those reviews started flying in for the movie, some were as I had feared describing how terrible of a sexploitation flick it was, but most were pretty supportive of the film and thought it was pretty good. I was struck not knowing what to do. Finally, my better half settled the debate by mentioning that she wanted to see it and now that it is out on Redbox (of course I watched it for a dollar!) I must admit defeat and claim Craig Brewer to be a guru of creating exploratory music films.
Not only does Black Snake Moan manage to sidestep every possible footfall, it also does an elegant dance over everytrap, taunting the audience with its dazzle and embrazoned attitude. Ricci gives her best performance in years. Jackson does a great job and even Timberlake reveals he has some acting chops. Honestly, I like this film better than Hustle & Flow for several reasons and the hateful critics...well they are just wrong.

Assumption 1: It's a sexploitation piece showing tons of Ricci's chest and disturbing masturbatory images. False. The film is really about the fixing of one's soul and of each other through blues music and caring. Yes, Ricci does several topless scenes with verve and vigor and yes she is tied to a radiator half naked for a good bit, but not for that long and the radiator and chain are simply metaphorical symbols in her battle against her nymphomania that she contracted after having been sexually abused by her father at such a young age. This is a film of healing, not only for Ricci but also for Jackson whose wife has just left him.
Assumption 2: Samuel Jackson can't do blues. False...he looks pretty comfortable doing it. I mean, yes, I can tell he was better at some songs than others but his voice was uncannily suited for Blues style music. He performs excellently and I think I have a new wish item for Christmas.
Assumption 3: Craig Brewer is a hack and got lucky with Hustle & Flow. COMPLETELY WRONG. The level of visual imagery and symbolism in this film is astounding and even though it requires a stretch of the imagination at times, Brewer writes such a good script that it isn't a fight to stretch and ride with the characters. The characters become real people despite the obvious religious overtones and heavy symbolism and are able to carry the story on their backs despite its seeming unwieldyness as a script which tells me that Brewer knows how to direct his shit. Honestly, this film was a huge risk for him and for Paramount but after having seen the film I can tell that their decision to let him go for it was well founded and I look forward to the next two music films he comes out with of which I hear one is country. Brewer has a knack for not only knowing how to portray events and people, but also how to create character arcs in a manner that is fresh and different from most of Hollywood's techniques. He can communicate this to the actors and it is obvious that his craft has improved tenfold in this film. I am awed and will never doubt the guy again. Strike 3, I'm out.

But even my awe has limits. As good and as awesome as this film is, none of the actors show break out promise. Ricci does the best as its a huge change for her, but her constant one-note torture of sexism is at times slightly hard to take. Samuel Jackson is terrible as an old man at times. Even good old Justin doesn't get to show a whole lot of range. Sure, he can be a good upbeat lad or a raging crazy guy. But the transitions between these attitudes and moods is where he needs some tweaking.

Conclusion: This film blew me out of the water by destroying any pre-made assumptions I had. I think the trailer for the film did it a huge disservice but thinking back I have no idea how they would have marketed this differently to try and attract crowds. It is simply an art house flick with mainstream aura to it. Everything about this film is well done although at times the editing is a little too rough and the actors while doing a great job of upholding and making the story excel, can't stretch themselves too far without having trouble. Definately a rent and maybe a buy.

4.5 out of 5

Wannabe