Reel Critics

Van Novack

Starting around Thanksgiving, the studios and independents release the

films they deem worthy of Golden Globe and Academy Award consideration en

masse. If the intent of releasing “Monster’s Ball” this time of year is

to garner such notice and nominations, it is a well-calculated gambit.

“Monster’s Ball” stars the rock-solid Billy Bob Thornton as Hank

Grotowski, a Georgia Department of Corrections prison guard. Hank is the

second in three generations of Grotowski’s to be prison guards. He is

preceded by his father Buck (Peter Boyle) and followed by his son Sonny

(Heath Ledger). Buck is an unrepentant racist and chauvinist. Despite

Buck’s failing health, his hateful presence is palpable and permeates the

lives of all three men and the house they share.

About to cross paths with Hank is Leticia Musgrove (Halle Berry), the

wife of a man awaiting execution (Sean Combs) and mother of a seriously

overweight young son. The series of events leading to their meeting and

involvement are unexpected and somewhat fantastic. Nonetheless, what

occurs after is such a marvelous piece of filmmaking that all

incredulousness is soon forgotten.

Audiences should expect insightful and fascinating performances from

Thornton by now. Since his Oscar nominated role in “Sling Blade,”

Thornton has wisely chosen quality projects with meaty parts that have

made good use of his unique talent. This role, his performance in “The

Man Who Wasn’t There,” or both, should earn him another Academy Award

nomination.

The real surprise here is Berry. Long known for her luminous beauty,

Berry gets a chance to show tremendous acting ability in “Monster’s

Ball.” Leticia Musgrove is clearly a woman on the brink, struggling to

maintain her sanity and dignity despite the most horrendous circumstances

imaginable. Berry has been deservedly nominated for a best actress

Golden Globe and the Academy Awards should follow suit.

Boyle is also remarkable as Buck. Known to younger generations mostly

for his recent comic turns on television, Boyle reminds us he is capable

of dominating scenes even playing a partial invalid. Ledger very wisely

accepted the supporting role of Sonny, as this performance should make it

evident he is more than just a romantic lead.

Milo Addica and Will Rokos receive the writing credits for “Monster’s

Ball.” The dialogue is most believable, as much as for what is not said

as for what is. The characters react to crushingly emotional situations

by simply letting them pass or by uttering a few clumsy, inadequate

words. The lack of soliloquy lends realism and allows the viewer to

determine for themselves the rationale of the characters.

“Monster’s Ball” is currently in very limited release. Consequently,

you will have to search a bit to see it. I urge you to make the effort.

* VAN NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional research at Cal

State Long Beach.