Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn) and his friend, Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins), confront past demons in the character-driven movie Mystic River.

Lives brought into focus
Mystic River


Stars Tim Robbins, Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden and Laura Linney. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Rated MA.

Reviewer :: Pte John Wellfare

Clint Eastwood's adaptation of Dennis Lehane's novel uses a lot of close ups; the camera focuses right in on an actor's face, which is where the action is in this gritty story of three men who each have individual problems and a shared demon in their past.

Jimmy Markum (Sean Penn), Sean Devine (Kevin Bacon) and Dave Boyle (Tim Robbins) grew up together in a blue-collar neighbourhood in Boston.

An event in their childhood had an impact on all of them, especially Dave, who was most directly affected by the event and, despite being married with a son of his own, never quite got over it.

When Jimmy's 19-year-old daughter is murdered and Sean, now a police detective, is assigned to the case, the three of them are forced to face their past and present demons.

Clint Eastwood has proven his abilities as a director before and this film is arguably his best work to date.

Tim Robbins is absolutely brilliant and Sean Penn surprised me with the depth he gave his character. Eastwood's clever use of the camera brings the most out of these two incredible actors.

Kevin Bacon was unfortunately not as powerful as his co-stars, possibly because he's played the detective part so many times that he slipped into the role a little too easily.

There's a sense of hopelessness surrounding the characters in this movie, particularly in the relationship and lives of Jimmy and Dave, who often seem like spectators rather than active participants; unable to change the direction they take.

This is a totally character-driven film, a rare and welcome sight, but if there is a fault it's in the story. The reason behind Jimmy's daughter's murder, while the intention may have been to shock the audience with the senselessness of it, is a tad unconvincing.

Ultimately Mystic River is a psychological movie, carried brilliantly by two of the best actors around, but if you're not into this kind of character-driven story you'll find it a bit slow. The action takes place inside the characters, making this a brilliantly-portrayed and very powerful film, but one that's not for everyone.

John rates this movie 4 out 5