By: debbie lynn elias
Already in limited release, but opening nationwide this week, “Mystic River” marks Clint Eastwood’s 24th, and indisputably his best, directorial effort thus far. Written by Brian Helgeland based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, “Mystic River” is a suspenseful brooding tale of three boyhood friends brought together by a tragic event twenty-five years later.
As kids growing up on the wrong side of the tracks in an Irish Boston neighborhood, Jimmy, Dave and Sean were the best of friends. But, as happens in life, each went their separate way as they moved into adulthood. Jimmy, is an ex-con trying to make ends meet running the corner store. Dave is a simple handyman. While Sean, now a homicide cop, finds himself assigned to investigate the murder of a 19 year old girl who just happens to be Jimmy’s daughter. As Sean and his partner attempt to unravel the seemingly senseless brutality of the murder, they find themselves not only forced to deal with a father’s rage and thirst for vengeance, but Sean must come to grips with lifelong circumstances that draw Dave into the picture. As the investigation closes in around the three friends, an ominous tale unfolds painting a disturbingly dark portrait of friendship, family, mistrust and loyalty.
As opined by Eastwood himself, “Murder mysteries are usually only about solving the crime. But in this case the story shows how, beyond the murder, all of the participants’ lives have been altered by the crime. One gets to see the impact a violent act has had, many years after the fact. It’s that tragic circle – all three of these men have unresolved issues in their lives. They have all been traumatized by the past. All became damaged goods.”
Making this film so extraordinary are the Oscar caliber performances of the cast and Eastwood’s rapport and obvious latitude with each. Sean Penn tackles the role of Jimmy with a desperate urgency and pervasive undertone of violence, keeping Jimmy and the audience on edge, never knowing which way his emotional tide may turn. Tim Robbins’ broodingly pensive, introverted portrayal of Dave is spellbinding, exuding an inner pain and desperate confusion felt by all and never moreso than when looks to vampire movies for metaphors to describe his feelings. Rounding out our three principals is Kevin Bacon as Sean. Bacon is riveting with his wrenching inner turmoil. Conflicted over his job and the discoveries uncovered during the murder investigation, his pathos only escalates when he allows himself to feel the pain associated with the absence of his wife.
Laura Linney, who has previously co-starred with Eastwood, takes her acting to new levels with a Lady Macbeth-like performance as Jimmy’s wife. Intently focused and fiercely loyal to her husband and his need for vengeance over their daughter’s death, Linney, quite frankly, is terrifying. Laurence Fishburne steps in as Sean’s partner and with his usual excellence, provides a much needed counter-balance and sense of reason to the darkness and despair of the principals.
In Eastwood’s trademark minimalist style, every nuance, every frame, every word, are done with purpose and effect. The exquisite detail in Lehane’s novel is not lost in the translation to film. Screenwriter Brian Helgeland, a master at trimming away excess, leaves some choice cuts, giving each actor a role to sink their teeth into. Still packed with details, each provides an essential meaning and significance and stay with you long after the film ends. Adding even more definition to the character study at work is the majestic score, written by Eastwood and performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
While “Mystic River” is at its basest a crime thriller, it is so much more than that. It is a journey; a journey filled with secrets and suspicions, blood boiling vengeance, moral consequences, public and private loyalties, and pain that transcends the decades. This is an actor’s playground but with minimal playground equipment, forcing each to look within to discover the underlying inner truths each character holds. And under the guidance of Clint Eastwood, the sum of all the parts is electrifying perfection.
Jimmy: Sean Penn Dave: Tim Robbins Sean: Kevin Bacon Celeste: Marcia Gay Harden Patty: Sarah Silverman Annabeth: Laura Linney Katie: Emmy Rossum
Warner Bros. presents a film directed by Clint Eastwood. Written by Brian Helgeland, based on the novel by Dennis Lehane. Running time: 137 minutes. Rated R (for language and violence).
