Film 138: Sling Blade

Miramax Studios (the studio Tarentino built) used to be an Oscar powerhouse. They were usually good for at least one Best Picture nominee or win – from “Pulp Fiction”to “Shakesepeare in Love” to “The Cider House Rules” to 1996’s entry “Sling Blade”.

“Sling Blade” tells the story of Karl Childers, played by Billy Bob Thornton. Karl has recently been released from a mental hospital after several years’ incarceration for the death of his mother and her young lover.

Thorton wrote, directed and starred in the film. He’s never been as good since, and I don’t think he ever could. The film earned an Oscar for its screenplay, but unfortunately Thornton lost the Best Actor race to Geoffrey Rush for “Shine”.

“Sling Blade” is, in its own way, a comfort film for me. It’s a solid drama (my favorite) and a reminder of how good films can be. It layers itself slowly, event by event, giving the viewer hope and a sense that all will be well. When tragedy asserts itself again, it’s acceptable and even understandable.

The other great thing about “Sling Blade” is the supporting cast, some of whom are no longer with us. John Ritter does a great turn as Vaughan, the gay store manager who lives in the closet with a door that’s wide open. The other supporting role is JT Walsh as a fellow inmate in the hospital, who is the only person speaking for the first 10 minutes. Jim Jarmusch also does a cameo, which I didn’t realize until I saw the credits. And the young boy playing Frank, Lucas Black, is a force to behold. Since “Sling Blade” he has continued his career on the big and small screens.

I know that people have made fun of Thornton – people who don’t understand. Certainly Thornton himself is an odd person, and he’s had his tabloid appearances. But for someone to make this brilliant of a film, chiefly of his own design is nothing short of remarkable.

The other thing that stays with me about this film is its solidity. This story could have been made into a Lifetime movie, where society beats down the killer to force him to go back to the only mode of conduct that he knows. But the idea is respected and the material never panders down to that level.

It’s yet another example of the prevalent trend of making characters we should abhor understandable and likable. This continues through Tony Soprano, Dexter Morgan and now Walter White. We don’t love their actions, but we know they only want to do the right thing – even if that’s illegal or immoral. And we love them for it the whole way.

Has my opinion of “Sling Blade” changed? Nope. I reckon it was a great film the first time, and almost 15 years later, it still is. It’s just unfortunate that Miramax isn’t around anymore to showcase great films such as these.