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| Mystic
River Movie Review |
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Every day, we are faced with choices. Some
of them minor, others more significant. But each choice, big or small,
has an impact. Each choice changes the complexion of our lives.
Mystic River, Clint Eastwood's latest directing project, explores the
theme of choices. It is the story of three childhood friends whose lives
are changed forever when one of them makes a fateful choice. That choice
robs them of what remains of their childhood and their innocence and
alters forever the path that their lives will take. Many years later,
their lives intersect again as one of them is befallen by a tragedy that
seems to be connected to that childhood incident...or is it?
In many ways, Mystic River is a rich, complex movie - it is a movie of
subtle themes and nuances. The characters and the plot are revealed
through the peeling away of layers as the movie progresses. The pace of
the movie is slow and meticulous, but it does not drag. If I had to use
one word to describe this movie, I would have to say that this is a
movie with atmosphere. The music, the superb cinematography and the
meticulous performances of its outstanding cast are interwoven to create
a psychological drama that, in my humble opinion, is really a carefully
constructed piece of art.
Clint Eastwood could not have selected a better cast for this movie.
Both individually and as an ensemble, the actors are superb and their
performances are compelling. A special nod must, however, go to Sean
Penn. I have always considered him to be one of the most talented actors
in Hollywood and his performance in this movie only served to reinforce
that opinion. He is simply outstanding.
Mystic River is a movie that has a little something for everyone. On its
most basic level, it is a suspenseful murder mystery. On another level,
it is a psychological drama that explores the impact that one boy's
fateful choice had upon his life and the lives of his friends and
family. Regardless of the viewer's expectations for the movie, it will
not disappoint. At two hours and twenty minutes, it is a long movie but
it is not one of those movies that feels so long that you are sitting in
the theatre begging for it to end.
There is one footnote that I should make to this movie - for those that
are interested in the psychological aspects of this movie, be warned
that this movie is not for the faint of heart. The characters in this
movie are complex, and the exploration of their psyches is, at times,
disturbing. By the end of the movie, one feels that they have had a
brief glimpse into the soul of the three main characters. In some ways,
it is an uneasy feeling. It is difficult not to glimpse into the souls
of men without seeing something that shocks and unnerves you.
Mystic River is a movie that I would recommend without hesitation. A
complex and compelling movie, it will leave you thinking for many hours
after you have left the theatre.
 
- 9/10
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Erin
Cullin - Senior Editor
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