By Tim McGroarty
Black Snake Moan, writer/director Craig Brewer’s second theatrically released film unfortunately does not live up what we would expect from the creator of the surprise hit Hustle & Flow.
Moan, however, is still entertaining and has some depth. The film follows Lazarus (Samuel L. Jackson) who is grieving over his wife, who recently left him for another man. At the same time in this small town, Rae (Christina Ricci), is watching her boyfriend Ronnie (Justin Timberlake) head off with the National Guard to war.
However, there is one big problem; Rae is a nymphomaniac. Rae isn’t alone for too long after Ronnie leaves, especially with her constant, powerful need to be with a man. After a party, Rae is taken home by a friend who beats her and leaves her on the side of the road for dead. The following morning Lazarus finds Rae on the road near his estate and takes care of her.
It’s at this point that the very religious Lazarus, still feeling bitter over his wife’s departure, takes it upon himself to try and “cure” this lost soul he feels God put in his path. An odd relationship sparks between the two, a much different relationship then the trailers and posters might suggest. Chains and suggestive commentary aside, despite some odd comedy the film has some thoughtful ideas and some real depth. Jackson delivers a strong performance and surprisingly Ricci does as well. Timberlake, while strong, needs to take a few more acting lessons before stepping next to these two.
Although the message is a thoughtful one the film seems to be missing something; we never find out a legitimate reason why Lazarus holds Rae in his house. Also their friendships starts way to fast for someone being held captive. The film, somewhere along the lines, seems to turn into a kind of music video with Jackson playing nothing but the blues on his guitar. There are many occasions where Lazarus sits down just to sing to himself; and we are forced to watch it all. Although the scenes are interesting, it leaves the audience grasping air and asking, “That was it?” The filmmakers should have gone that extra mile to tie up some lose ends and build up these characters a little bit more.
GRADE: C+
