Mystic River

[moviemandavid]

This film is amazing.

Breathtaking in every way, and every aspect.

Penn deserves an Oscar. This was his best performance, and if the Academy doesn't reward him, then I've lost every shread of faith I've ever had in the Academy.

[Muzzy]

Yeah I've been looking forward to this film for a long time, I might go see it this weekend. I've read a few reviews, kinda mixed, but all say it's interesting and that Penn is amazing.

[Beale the Rippe]

The reviews aren't really mixed at all. There is the occasional person that doesn't like it, but the overwhelming majority of the critics have loved it.

[Holden Pike]

I'm that occasional person, I reckon.

First let me say that I am a massive and unabashed Eastwood fan. I think he is still very underrated as a filmmaker, even with the Oscar on his shelf. So I certainly went in ready to be wowed, and I had gotten wind of the "masterpiece" reviews coming in.

So, I saw this last Friday, at the opening night of the NYFilm Festival. Clint was there, as was much of the cast. If this wasn't the perfect atmosphere to be swept up in, what is? Then the movie started.

I was underwhelmed by it, by in large. There are many good things to recommend, and it is miles away from being a bad movie or one not worthwhile of seeing theatrically, but this is simply not a "GREAT" film. Doesn't even stack up to Eastwood's previous best works: Bird, A Perfect World and Unforgiven.

The themes are very Eastwoodian, but there is too much that is supposed to be Operatic throughout, and that's just not Eastwood's strength. He is a subtle, minimalistic director at his best, really quite magnificent, but the material here is at odds with all that. If he was trying something new, either on purpose or subconsciously, for me it didn't work overall.

Without getting into spoilers yet until more folks here have a chance to see it, there is way too much of the dialogue that is unweildly and rings false, much too literary. I haven't read the book yet, but too much of what is spoken on screen is clearly either interior monologue truned into dialogue for the sake of the screenplay, or languge that works in a novel, but doesn't in a film. Either way, I found it distracting and distancing, when the inherent power of the material should have been expressed in other ways. Brian Helgeland adapted the book, and he definitely has done better before (most obviously L.A. Confidential).

I had other problems with Mystic River, but that's the key one.

I'll see it a second time, perhaps I can reconcile some of my disappoinment on a second viewing, but I definitely didn't find this was masterpiece territory, or the best movie of this or any year.


GRADE: B

[sunpistsaturn]

Hey!

So I was able to catch an advanced screening of this film and i left with mixed emotions.

First, let me just say that Sean Penn was AMAZING!!! He definitely put on an award winning performance and his talent never ceases to amaze me. Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins were incredible as well. The three of them together is what made this movie great. I can't stress enough how incredible the acting was!!!

The storyline itself was pretty decent although I felt that the end didn't leave me with much closure. That was my only problem with the film. Does anyone else who has seen the film feel the same way???

But I would definitely recommend checking it out and I am really curious to hear what other people have to say about it!!!

--KT

[lilkate25]

I saw MYSTIC RIVER last night and absolutely loved it! There were so many stars in it that I love (especially Kevin Bacon). The story was very interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The end was totally shocking to me (I won’t say it), but I will say it was not what I expected at all. If you want to see a good mysterious movie, I definitely recommend checking this one out!

[birdygyrl]

I saw Mystic River this afternoon. I think I am with Holden on this one. I can't quite put my finger on why, but I just wasn't blown away. Maybe it was the hype and the critics saying how outstanding it was supposed to be. It was very good, but not outstanding. Sean Penn was just phenomenal in his role but I had trouble becoming invested in some of the other characters. Its not like I didn't enjoy it; I really did. I especially liked the fact that it was done in Massachusetts, having grown up there. I just didn't see "Oscar" on the screen.

[Knoxville]

I watched this movie Tuesday night, I enjoyed it, Penn was really good as was Bacon, very enjoyable.

[GODFATHER]

i saw MYSTIC RIVER today..that film has oscar written allover it\
i went to the movies thinkin, no body will be there, and man
every seat in the theatre is full...i was in shock,
i went to c the movie for 2 reasons, first i LOVE sean penn so freakin much
and i love clint eastwood as a director (unforgiven, a perfect world)
terrific acting, the best, great writing, terrific direction
..i loved that film, i really really love that film, an excellent drama
about loss, revenge, redemption, terrific, mysterious, that movie moved me
the film already won the cannes film festival golden coach award..u have to c it

MYSTIC RIVER (2003)
We bury our sins, we wash them clean.
http://mysticrivermovie.warnerbros.com/img/onesheet_oct.jpg
plot: Childhood friends Jimmy Marcus (Penn), Sean Devine (Bacon) and Dave Boyle (Robbins) reunite following the death of Jimmy's oldest daughter, Katie (Rossum). Sean's a police detective on the case, gathering difficult and disturbing evidence; he's also tasked with handling Jimmy's rage and need for retribution.
http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/mystic_river/clint_eastwood/mystic2.jpg
http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/mystic_river/_group_photos/laura_linney5.jpg
http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/mystic_river/_group_photos/kevin_bacon7.jpg
http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/mystic_river/tim_robbins/river3.jpg
http://us.ent4.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/warner_brothers/mystic_river/_group_photos/kevin_bacon2.jpg
cast:
Sean Penn .... Jimmy
Tim Robbins .... Dave
Kevin Bacon .... Sean
Laurence Fishburne .... Whitey
Marcia Gay Harden .... Celeste Boyle
Kevin Chapman .... Val Savage
Laura Linney .... Annabeth Markum

directed by CLINT EASTWOOD

i highly recommend u watch the trailer..its incredible: http://mysticrivermovie.warnerbros.com/cmp/trailer_html1.html?id=trailer&settings=true

[Hondo333]

I cant wait for this one, 20th of november is going to be good day, Ill go see this then scoot over to OUTIM

[jamesglewisf]

I thought it was really good. I'll bet it is up for some awards. I thought Penn and Robbins were both very good. The ending with Laura Linney was a bit unexpected.

[Beale the Rippe]

The ending with Laura Linney was a bit unexpected.

What was that about anyway?

[led_zeppelin]

Saw this last Saturday, and in a word, AWESOME! It's not the best movie ever, but it sure is great. BTW, my sister told me that she thinks when Kevin Bacon makes the gun thing to Penn at the end, she says it means he's going to go after him. (him being Penn) What do you think about that?

[Beale the Rippe]

Interesting...although I'm not sure what I thought it was. It was a GREAT movie though. The third best this year so far.

[led_zeppelin]

Interesting...although I'm not sure what I thought it was. It was a GREAT movie though. The third best this year so far.


Just curious, but what were the first two?

[Hondo333]

Just got back from seeing it and while it wasnt great it was good, alot of people complain about its pace but i loved it, Somthing thats slow enought for you to think about it beofre your hit with somthing else. Also love Eastwoods lighting.... its very real yet still gives you atmoshpere

[Hondo333]

Did any one else catch the few frames of what looked like newspaper during the fly-over of the river at the end?, I guess i will haveto wait for the home realese to see it

[Beale the Rippe]

Just curious, but what were the first two?

Sorry about that. (I missed this earlier) They are Kill Bill and Master and Commander. Also ahead of it (as I did this quite a while ago) is The Man on the Train, and tied with it are 21 Grams, School of Rock, and The Human Stain.

[What About John]

Beautiful film, loved it, took place in boston where i am from so it appealed to me alot, the story is great, i wonder who will get best picture? ROTK VS MR

[led_zeppelin]

i wonder who will get best picture? ROTK VS MR

If Mystic River beats ROTK, i'm gonna just die. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Mystic River though, one of the best I've ever seen, but I have read LOTR 4 times now, and I just think ROTK deserves it more. But, that's just me, the LOTR fanatic.

[Beale the Rippe]

If Mystic River beats ROTK, i'm gonna just die. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE Mystic River though, one of the best I've ever seen, but I have read LOTR 4 times now, and I just think ROTK deserves it more. But, that's just me, the LOTR fanatic.

All I know is that I'm going to be upset if Master and Commander doesn't get nominated for both best pic and actor. Mystic River is almost a lock for both of those categories.

[Jozie]

Hi guys,

I liked Master & Com also -- and Mystic River also, though it was so-oh-oh-oh-oh dark (too much with the bleakness. Needed some contrast) but it is not really fair to compare the two -- apples & oranges. Master & Com was a shoot-em-up with real heart, just like the books. Mystic was so tragic that it wore me out to the point where I could no longer empathize with the characters -- except maybe the Tim Robbins character, but I feel they were not similar enough to make comparisons.

Love,
Jozie

[led_zeppelin]

All I know is that I'm going to be upset if Master and Commander doesn't get nominated for both best pic and actor. Mystic River is almost a lock for both of those categories.

As for Master and Commander. . .I'm gonna wait for video for this one.
As for Mystic River, heck yeah it'll be nominated. And definately win Best Actor IMO. I just hope ROTK gets best picture. Like I said, ROTK deserves it more IMO, seeing as how LOTR is a classic. Mystic River will definately win something big though. And it should, cuz GOSHDARN that movie kicks major movie anus!

[MacReady]

I read the book. A densley emotional, phsycological read. I'll hafta check this one out on DVD.

[Jozie]

"Reputation" in the upper right-hand corner -- what is that all about?
jozie

[MacReady]

?

[nebbit]

I saw Mystic River a few weeks ago, I went with a friend. MR is an emotional journey, we were both silent all the way back to the car, I really liked the movie, I didn't think it was one of the greatest movies ever, I found it hard to get into the Tim Robbins character, although I like him, he just didn't ring true for me in this role. To a lesser degree, Kevin Bacon, maybe I am 2 used to seeing him as an on the edge madman.
Sean Penn was very good, he really stood out in this movie.

This isn't my kind of movie, I probably won't see it again for a long time, it felt 2 much like work. :(

[Fugitive]

I enjoyed the film immensely. I didn't think anyone lacked in performance and Penn outdid himself.

[LoopDiLoop]

of the three, penn's character provides the most interest. a muscled and tattooed corner boy, he's done the time for doing the crime, but since the death of his first wife the love of his daughter has kept him on the straight and narrow, though he does mix with the brutes and bruisers of his boston suburb and is clearly only too willing to take the law into his own hands. and by the end of the film there's innocent blood on those hands and you feel that, without his daughter there to keep an eye on him, he's going to descend into a world of crime beloved by classic jimmy cagney films, a king of the cons with a heart of gold hardened by mean streets and cruel fate, a real angel with a dirty face. laura linney (mary-ann in the adaptation of tales of the city) is pretty much wasted as his wife, this being a man's film where women are relegated to the background, but gets one final scene where she plays yet another hollywood version of lady macbeth, excusing his crimes and extolling a life for him as king of the underworld. cliched and all as that is, it's still the only strand of the whole film that has anything going for it, but the final credits are rolling by the time that promise comes around and you realise that the preceding two hours or so of screen time really weren't worth the effort.

filled with formulaic camera movements that only ever look contrived and self-important, never the hard-crafted easy-artistry of better directors, throughout eastwood hits more bum notes than a bar-room jazz band on an off night. there's that whole sub-plot with bacon's wife. there's the scene of robbins-as-a-kid being kidnapped by the (obviously roman catholic) paedophiles which isn't just echoed in a later scene with robbins enroute to his last sup but is repeated at the end in penn's memory of that sleepers day. then there's a lot of dreadful dialogue of the sort that helgeland seems to specialise in. and finally there's that perfectly timed moment when bacon and his partner (laurence fishburne - from apocalypse now to this via the matrix) rush in to disarm the real killers in a moment that can only leave you wondering what the hell they were doing to be in the right place at the right time.

there are things that are right about it - there's something dreadfully claustrophobic about the paedo-kidnapping, and there's something about penn meting out injustice to robbins that almost has you begging for some formulistic cavalry intervention, but overall they're not enough to give any real satisfaction. with eastwood helming it and such a cast of stars it's bound to win awards come the bangles and baubles season, but that doesn't make it a good movie.

[poeman]

this movie was a deep and haunting film. i loved sean penn in it. his charcter was so awesome. Especially they did not make him look like bad guy. WHat a job done by tim robbins. SO CONVINCING was his acting. but the music i hated, it just didnt fit.

[led_zeppelin]

but the music i hated, it just didnt fit.

You do know Clint Eastwood did the music right? I hate to say it but I agree, even though Mystic River is my favorite movie of all time, the music could've been much better.

[RosieGamgee]

Just saw this movie. Wow. Great acting, I think on all counts (although I'd put Tim Robbins at the end of the list). Penn was amazing.
I have to say that if it had been my story I would have kept it a little tighter. Some of the events in the movie were a little scattered. I didn't like the fact that the reason Dave came home with blood all over him had absolutely nothing to do with Katie's murder. I guess every movie can't be Holes, but....
Well, I grew up near the Boston area, and believe you me, those accents they all got... ASTOUNDING!! Sean Penn couldn't have done it better if he was an Italian Bostonian from the day he was born. Even Lawrence Fishburne (and this is my favorite roll of his, I think) did it extremely well. I take my hat off to the actors and to the voice coaches (crap, not wearing a hat- oh well).
Only one more thing to say. The kids in the beginning were great. I think the kid who played Jimmy looked just like Sean Penn. However, he didn't look like Jimmy Markum. Here's how it goes- a little Itallian boy is no way going to have freckles and red hair. I think that maybe they should have switched the kids that played Jimmy and Sean. That would have been right.

p.s. My favorite scene in the movie is the porch scene with Robbins and Penn, when Jimmy is agonizing over the fact that he cannot cry for his daughter, and Dave points out that "You're cryin' now." Beautifully done. The sorrow Jimmy is feeling is very palatable.

[nebbit]

Here's how it goes- a little Italian boy is no way going to have freckles and red hair. I think that maybe they should have switched the kids that played Jimmy and Sean. That would have been right. .

You maybe right for the movie, I have a friend she is Italian, she came with her dark-haired family to live in Australia when she was 4 years old, she has dark red hair, freckles and green eyes, she married an Italian guy they had a daughter with blonde hair and Blue eyes, so you never know what can happen when people procreate. :eek:

[natzo]

I saw it like a month ago. I was pretty hyped up about it and I gotta say, I was kinda disappointed. The acting was superb though. Sean Penn really blew me away. But I felt the film was too dragged out and took too long to resolve. The plot also had a loophole.

[MysticalMoose]

Great acting, and unfortunately for the viewer, that was it. The script failed to develope and the movie played at an extremely slow pace. I have no idea how this ran up for best picture, but then again, movies coming out lately, are awful. I'll let Penn keep his little award but for the love of God, Clint, stop directing.

[RosieGamgee]

Great acting, and unfortunately for the viewer, that was it. The script failed to develope and the movie played at an extremely slow pace. I have no idea how this ran up for best picture, but then again, movies coming out lately, are awful. I'll let Penn keep his little award but for the love of God, Clint, stop directing.

Heh heh. I will agree with this!

natzo, what was the loophole? (nitpicker's curiousity takes over)

[led_zeppelin]

NO CLINT! KEEP DIRECTING! arrg

[Garrett]

I'll let Penn keep his little award but for the love of God, Clint, stop directing.

Moose don't know ****.

[WSSlover]

I know I'm really, really late in responding to this post, but I thought that Mystic River was an intense, well-done film. I saw it twice! Sean Penn and Tim Robbins were excellent in this film.

[Bravefart]

At best, I thought this was a bland story made somewhat interesting by solid acting... up until the ending. Good Lord, that was dreadful. Not only was it poorly acted, it also made zero sense. Does Eastwood not understand the concept of tragedy?

I'm not irked because it didn't end on a note where you'd be feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. There's nothing worse than a film holding your hand like a little child, leading you to where your feelings should be. But this ending made no sense whatsoever. If you haven't seen it yet, there's no point in planning to. What a way to have an already mediocre film deteriorate into utter balderdash in a matter of minutes.