I have a special place in my heart for movies that employ young actors in cutting edge performances. "Central Station," "The Whale Rider," "Stand By Me," and "Billy Elliot" all come quickly to mind. So the standout aspect of this intense and understated film is the perfomance of the "Mudge Boy" himself, Emile Hirsch, as 14 year old Duncan Mudge. An awkward and confused adolescent struggling to find himself and his place in this world in the wake of his mother's sudden death.
In essence the story is about masculinity. About men and boys who are confused and disfunctional. It's about the ways that these males interact emotionally, physically, sexually, and ultimately intuitively with one another. This is not an easy film to experience, and that is it's greatest praise.
No comments:
Post a Comment