Levity [DVD] [2003]

I had a high expectation for this film because of the impressive all star cast and particularly because I love Billy Bob Thornton and I was not disappointed. Levity evokes a sympathy for Manual(played by Thornton) that suprises the viewer. We don't expect to have sympathy for a killer but yet here we do. Morgan Freeman is superb as is Holly Hunter as the sister of Thorntons victim (who doesn't know of course that Thornton is her brothers murderer!)It is a great character study film that although a slower storyline than some is never boring and really has you rooting for a happy ending even though you kind of know from the start that Thornton can never 'make it right'.. Well worth the watch, thought provoking and very moving.

After serving over twenty years in jail for the murder of a young cashier during a bungled robbery, Manual Jordan returns to the town of his crime. Hooking up with the strange minister Miles Evans, and befriending two ladies who themselves are searching for something, Manual may find redemption comes in many guises.

Well well, yet another film dealing in that tried and tested thematic called redemption. But please don't let any sort of familiarity stop you from catching this film, for on atmospherics alone this deserves to be watched, that it also boasts a cast on prime form should also be enough to tempt you in. It's an odd film any many ways, its serious nature is covered in a quirky sort of haze, the zippy soundtrack blending in with the moody ambiance created by the characters within the piece. It's with the characters, each afforded excellent fleshing by writer director Ed Solomon, that Levity rises above its simplicity. This is no film for anyone searching for histrionics and blood letting, and paced as slowly as it is, you will need to have that virtue known as patience. But for those inclined towards a philosophical approach with redemption, your patience will most assuredly be rewarded.

Billy Bob Thornton is Manual, the centre of the story, scraggy grey haired after years in prison, this is yet another Thornton performance full of emotional depth. With just one pained silent expression, Thornton has the knack of saying so much about his characters being, and here he gets to do it often. Kirsten Dunst arguably gives the best performance of her career as troubled Sofia Mellinger. The daughter of a has been singer, Sofia is missing guidance in her life, content to get stoned and amble aimlessly thru life, Dunst gives her a believability that shines during the interplay with the laconic like Thornton. Top honours go to Holly Hunter as Adele Easley, who is the main focus for Jordan's attentions {the reasons are obvious from the outset}. Adele is trying to make all the points in her life connect, a goal that appears unlikely to be achieved, with Hunter {something of an indie darling this decade} giving gravitas to Adele's confusion and state of mind. Fairing less better is Morgan Freeman as Miles Evans, not bad per se, but his fluctuating gravel voice detracts from the dark mystery lurking within the character's make up.

Nicely shot in Montréal, Québec, Canada by Roger Deakins, Levity is an interesting and smartly scripted piece. It's a given that it will not be for everyone, but it's hoped that just like it did me, it will creep up on you and stay on your mind for a few days afterwards. 8/10

I don't think the storyline sounds much - a killer gets out of prison and full of remorse, tries to make amends with his victim's family. The acting and and a creative set of sub-plots make this into a far better movie than expected.

It works because of some great characters. You feel little for Billy Bob Thornton (the killer) as he bumbles through the plot making few decisions, this is intentional. Holly Hunter is great as the brother of the dead man and far more foxy than I expected of her. Morgan Freeman, and Kirsten Dunst bring great angles to their flawed but likeable characters.

These four actors (Dunst, Freeman, Hunter, Thornton) and some great writing and directing turn this basic plot into what ends up as a very good film. It is believable and involving, and the simple story line is not a limitation, but more of a starting point from which characters and sub plots develop.

Unusually the incidental music brings a lot of tension and confusion in the right places; I've never felt this aspect to be notable in a film before.

The plot isn't particularly inventive, but fairly warming and enjoyable. The screenplay and acting lift it far above that. Good film and very much recommended.