Dead Man Walking

Tim Robbins takes on a brave and ambitious helm with Dead Man Walking, as it's based on a true story. The film doesn't get too preachy and Robbins works a very visually coordinated and paralleled style of direction that is quite artistic and rare. Dead Man Walking is very slow and methodically takes its time as the two leads are grounded and don't flutter or flinch.

This true-life account is seen from the eyes of Sister Helen Prejean (Susan Sarandon) who comforts convicted death row inmate, Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn), and empathizes with the victims' families. Sarandon is steadfast and never misses a beat as a vessel for the holy spirit trying to inflict some good onto Matthew, just like haste he did ruthlessly to his victims who he co-raped and killed.

The strengths up on the screen lay with the powerful performances from Sarandon and Penn. The film's progression can be almost tedious as the tendency to emote is reserved in the characters, but the shedding of tears is quite moving. It's a thought provoking film, but must be examined and scrutinized, as an attention to detail is a must. The problem with a true-life, factual account is that the events in the film aren't very upsetting in the timeline. They're little mole hills instead of some roadblock or something crashing down from above to upset the balance of things.

It's a slow rising tide that approaches a climax that is just a simple exhale. In context, it's powerful, but compared to other movies, it's uncompromising, following a different, blueprinted formula. Robbins doesn't pass judgment on the characters, but does make you reflect and ponder as a result of watching.

Dead Man Walking's frontrunners give emotionally charged performances with poised excellence that will be sure to move you. The climax is powerful and long awaited, but getting there is a bit of a trek that you might have to bite your lip to stay firmly planted and endure. The stylistic direction of Robbins is quite marvelous as it's reflective and furthers the film's message. Dead Man Walking makes you wait, but if you have the endurance and patience, it pays off with smooth, unhinged performances.