Jesus' Son Review
Two of the most promising performers of their generation pair up with mixed results in Jesus' Son, New Zealand director Alison_Maclean's loopy, intermittently brilliant adaptation of author Denis_Johnson's cult novel. It's both an asset and a failing that McLean has kept as faithful as possible to her source material. Instead of being preachy or heavy-handed, the disjointed vignettes that tell the tale of junkie FH (Billy_Crudup) and his erstwhile girlfriend Michelle (Samantha_Morton) have a pleasantly unforced feel. Unfortunately, it's that same unforced rhythm that makes the movie evaporate from memory as soon as the lights come up. Along FH's journey to self-enlightenment, however, we're treated to a smattering of compelling moments: the shocking car accident that opens the film; the split-screen overdose of demented building contractor Wayne (Denis_Leary, in an all-too-brief performance); and the surreal hospital job FH and his friend Georgie (the ubiquitous Jack_Black) keep in order to score drugs -- any drugs. Our hero occasionally lapses into hallucinatory dream sequences which, at their best, recall Fellini; at their worst, they feel like warmed-over fantasy sequences from Ally McBeal. Through it all, the performances of the sensual, electric Morton and the laconic, dreamy Crudup -- in the first role perfectly suited to his sluggish charm -- keep the film from becoming a mere exercise in style. Michael Hastings, Rovi
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