Hot Off The Rack 10.23.02: Frailty Posted by Miss Galatea on 10.23.2002
One of the most intellectually disturbing movies I have ever seen... And I do mean that in the nicest way possible.
Director: Bill Paxton
Starring: Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe
Rated: (R) Violence, Some Language
Lions Gate Films, 2002, 99 Minutes
Overview
A dark and unsettling tale which unfolds courtesy of lead actor Matthew
McConaughey and his director and co-star Bill Paxton. Paxton portrays the
single father of two young sons, 12-year-old Fenton and 9-year-old Adam
Meiks, in 1979 Texas. Mysteriously, one night their father wakes up claiming
to have been visited by an angel of God who has bestowed upon him a holy
mission to seek out and kill demons posing as ordinary people. McConaughey
plays one of the two Meiks children who some ten years later reveals his
dark family secret to FBI Agent Wesley Doyle (Powers Booth). Beyond this
rather brief synopsis, there's really nothing more I can or should tell you
about this film. Trust me, the less you know going in, the more likely you
are to enjoy it.
Prologue
There are two factors that drew me in to renting this somewhat obscure film.
First, Paxton has played some of the most broad and entertaining characters
in Hollywood. Although he's not your typical main eventer, from the easily
freaked soldier Hudson in Aliens, to the cocky playboy Ray in one of
my favorite films Boxing Helena, Paxton's charm eventually becomes
addictive. So in short, much like a young, virile teenage boy will run to
the latest brawny, Arnold Schwarzenegger flick, I've become a sucker for the
modestly multitalented Bill Paxton. The second reasoning behind my rental of
Frailty is also, strangely enough, Paxton related. In his promotional
appearance for the film on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno he talked
about the project with such refreshing promise and enthusiasm that after
hearing his plea to see the movie it seemed the only polite thing to do. Now
onto the film itself.
What I Did Like
Frailty's most important quality was that certain something so many
movies today lack: Character Development. Paxton's portrayal of a loving
father was so thoughtful and consistent, till the end you find yourself
emotionally falling deeper into the family's gruesome predicament, almost
wanting to believe the crazed father's tale of "Heavenly Guidance," while at
the same time intellectually assuming he's a cold-bloodied killer. Also,
McConaughey's subtly disturbed character travels from one extreme to
another, without distraction or lack of emotion. I've never been a big fan
of McConaughey, in fact I was about ready to give up on him after The
Wedding Planner, but this film definitely granted him a reprieve.
As for the plot itself, although along the way it might seem a bit sluggish
and bizarre, eventually there is a method to the madness. Between the
intriguing storytelling and some serious "What The F***?" moments, you're
left fearful wondering what could possibly happen next.
What I Didn't Like
What's not to like? I wasn't too fond of McConaughey having a lip full of
chewing tobacco (and he never spit once), but that's probably just me.
Rather disgusting, but not vital. Other than that, depending on your point
of view, the ending will either find you looking back on the entire film
with an unfulfilled void or a renewed curiosity.
The 411
Whether you feel the void or are fully satisfied with the climax of
Frailty, one thing is certain - you won't be able to look at
religious fanatics or backyard sheds the same way again.
Final Score: 6.5
Want to tell your side of the story? If you have seen Frailty and
would like to share your thoughts on the movie and/or my review, please feel
free to send me feedback.
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Miss Galatea's nearly decade-long editorial career has included work with
such noted publications as IGN, WOW Magazine, and F4W. For an archive of her
work and more, visit her official website at www.missgalatea.com.
