MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL 1997
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) for the balance of fate
Cast: John Cusack, Kevin Spacey, Jack Thompson, Lady Chablis, Alison Eastwood, Irma P. Hall, Paul Hipp, Jude Law Director: Clint Eastwood Producers: Clint Eastwood, Randy Phillips, Arnold Stiefel Screenplay: John Lee Hancock based on the novel by John Berendt
This is a movie that leaves its ending up for viewer speculation. The mystery remains unresolved. Some people may find this style of vagueness and lack of conclusion annoying. But, we must remember that much of life's circumstances are a mystery, and no one may truly know the full motives behind the foul actions of a crime.
In the quiet southern community of Savannah, evil takes root. A wealthy, eccentric millionaire, Jim Williams (Kevin Spacey) is accused of murdering a dead hustler (Jude Law) in his mansion – sending shock waves through the community. Throw in a swig of good southern Voo Doo, about how good comes a half hour before midnight and evil half past, and you'll start needing a good swig of lemonade halfway through the movie to help the crime go down better. Enter journalist and author John Kelso (John Cusack), who is asked to write a feature article on our infamous millionaire, but ends up unearthing more black magic and superstition than he counted on.
The ending leaves one with an unearthly feeling of a graveyard. It makes one wonder what happens to murderers, rapists and other criminals who get away with the crime. This movie suggests that you will sow what you reap, and even if you escape human judgement, beware the hand of fate that holds the balance of good and evil in her hands. Her judgement may come as quickly and as suddenly as a heart attack.
Once again, good direction from Clint Eastwood who has paced the movie well. Kevin Spacey puts in a fine performance as a charming, deceptive millionaire and John Cusack is believable as a reporter. This movie is probably not everyone's cup of tea, but great thought provoking material none the less.
Timothy Voon
e-mail: stirling@netlink.com.au
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