Black Snake Moan
starring Samuel Jackson, Chirstina Ricci, Justin Timberlake, S. Epatha Merkerson and John Cothran
written and directed by Craig Brewer
I had heard a lot about this movie, so I was looking forward to seeing it. But when I saw the DVD in the shop I hesitated, afraid of being too uncomfortable with the sexuality of it, worried whether I would like it or not: an abused girl in the American rural south grows up to be the town tramp. But she is saved by the intervention of a black farmer who is going through a life crisis of his own. Each finds salvation in the other and their lives are redeemed. It turned out to be a good story and a good film. If you like the Blues, there is some really fine music here, as well.
I don’t know much about Justin Timberlake. He’s famous as an actor and a singer. In this film his character was completely unnecessary. I mean, his character of Ronny the boyfriend added nothing to the story. I first saw Christina Ricci as Wednesday in The Addams Family (with Raul Julio and Angelica Huston). Since then she has performed in some great films. She is a great actress, and I keep thinking Black Snake Moan must have been a difficult role, not least because she did most of it in her underwear. Watch it and you’ll see.