Samuel L Jackson Shines: Black Snake Moan Film Review

Samuel L Jackson plays a past in blues man no longer able to play through fear of God. When he stumbles across the towns local sex addict nymphomaniac (Christina Ricci) one evening brutally beaten and left dead on the side of the road he takes her in and vows to cure her of her evils. The story follows these methods, their growing plutonic relationship, the towns reaction and her attempts at re-engaging with her boyfriend (played by Justin Timberlake).

This is a curious movie and I must admit to not knowing what to have made of it immediately after seeing it. The plot became increasingly predictable and concludes in expected fashion but there was something distinctly likeable about the film. I think this was in no uncertain terms due to the charisma, believability and likeability of Jackson's character. Where the others on occasion lacked conviction Jackson delivering one God fearing monologue after the next is wholly real. This may be in part our memory of Pulp Fiction and the infamous biblical recitation which we longed for a repeat of and now were finally given but I think it's more than that. He comes across as honest and measured.

The other performances are good too. Ricci is great in her nymphomaniac role but the real surprise for me was Timberlake as the boyfriend who struggles with bouts of nerves. He came across as being potentially a fine actor much in the same way Eminem did in 8 Mile.

The soundtrack is also first rate with a great Jackson rendition of Stager Lee that in my view is up there with the best. Lots of other archive gems lurk within too which makes it a great compilation of rural blues in it's own right.

In all, a curious film that was very enjoyable.