This 2001 drama film, is definitely one that will ALWAYS be talked about for years to come. The mere mention of the title stirs up controversy and discussion. Watching the trailer just send chills up my spine....
Monster's Ball is one of those types of films that I had to watch twice to really soak it all in from beginning to end. At first glance, I am a bit disturbed but intrigued at the same time. The movie draws you in making you want to unwrap each layer scene by scene. Granted the film is laced with racial undertones through out the film, yet it tells a story of just wanting to be loved. It even gives the mystique of the 1962 film To Kill A Mockingbird. This is a movie that you hate to love, but you can't help it! Marc Foster as director and with Lee Daniels as producer, they give us an epic story of survival. Would you do the same? Many really cannot give a clear answer to that question. So just imagine Halle Berry's character Leticia Torres felt.
Although many have criticized why Halle Berry won the Academy award for Best Actress I see clear as day why she did. She did more than just lay down with this man, she gave of her soul every ounce of it. Think about, she is an actress and that's what they do, play a role! Berry stepped out of her comfort zone and showcased another side of her acting skills. I honestly think that was a role that one would have to mature into. Who says that you have to be miss goody goody to win an Oscar, didn't Heath Ledger win for his role as the The Joker in The Dark Knight.
Now in the midst of everyone talking about Halle and Billy Bob, there was another character who by far stunned me with his performance. Coronji Calhoun who plays the role of Tyrell Musgrove, the ill-fated son of Lawrence and Leticia, was chosen from an open casting call and to many "perhaps one of the most affecting performances of the year." A 10-year-old Louisiana fourth-grader who has never acted before or studied the craft but somehow made a statement with the few words that spoke, his actions were so compelling your heart automatically reaches out to him. The flood gates of tears just come rushing in.
As a matter fact each character provided a piece that was critical to the greatness of the film. Billy Bob Thornton's character (Hank Grotowski) showed us the difficulty of trying to hold everyone else but himself on his shoulders. He is somewhat of a coward, but in a weird twisted way he is trying to be better. Heath Ledger (Sonny Grotowski) and Sean Combs (Lawrence Musgrave) character's both demonstrate what needs to be left in the past in order to move forward. Even the father plays a critical role, he is an example of a term I like to call "nagging truth". You don't want to hear it, but cannot deny its words.
At the end of the film, as you watched the credits roll by you are just caught up in the moment. An array of mixed feelings rushes through you. And just like Leticia you speak no words but just acknowledge what is yet to come...
This is an example of independent filming at its finest!! Sometimes the underdog does win first place...
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