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SUNDANCE 2007
Black Snake Moan
"Black Snake Moan" by Zack Roddy
Written and directed by Sundance vet Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) the film Black Snake Moan has been released. Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) used to play the blues in his younger years, but lately, he's just been living them. Recently separated from his wife, who left him for his younger brother, Lazarus just about gives up on everything except his undying faith in the Lord. Meanwhile, Rae (Christina Ricci) is experiencing the same kind of situation. Her boyfriend Ronnie (Justin Timberlake), with who she is passionately in love, has just enlisted in the National Guard and is leaving for boot camp. Rae has an unusual anxiety that can only be nourished by Ronnie, a ravenous "itch" for sex, made that way through sexual abuse at a young age. Before meeting Ronnie, Rae was considered the town tramp, giving her body away to just about anyone who asked, and the night Ronnie leaves, it seems she will revert to her old ways, splurging in drugs, sex and alcohol. When she is beaten and left for dead half naked on the side of the road by Ronnie's best friend Gill (Michael Raymond-James), she is found and nursed back to health by Lazarus. After learning of Rae's role in the town, Lazarus decides that it is he who must cure her of her wicked ways and make her right in the Lord's eyes. When Rae awakens, she finds herself literally chained to Lazarus' radiator, and the former bluesman has no intention of letting her go until she is cured.
While not as stirring as Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan is still an impressive venture from Brewer, with a sterling cast, and strong script. Samuel L. Jackson's performance is nothing short of brilliant, effortlessly tackling the guitar and singing voice of a true bluesman. Christina Ricci has come a long way as well breaking away from her fluffy child star image and emerging as a serious actress. At the heart of the film are the scenes that these two talented individuals share together, often blending comedy and drama without missing a beat. Paramount Vantage has already picked up Black Snake Moan for theatrical release, which will be on February 23, 2007.
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