Film Review: Black Snake Moan (2006)
In 2005, Craig Brewer achieved considerable success with his gritty drama Hustle & Flow. A year later, he attempted to repeat that formula in Black Snake Moan, using a similar Southern setting, local music, unconventional characters, and an outrageous premise.
The nominal protagonist is Lazarus Redd (played by Samuel L. Jackson), a deeply religious farmer and former blues guitarist struggling to move on after his wife left him for his brother. One night, he finds Rae Doole (played by Christina Ricci), a young woman who has been badly beaten and left for dead. Rae, a nymphomaniac, had spiralled out of control after her boyfriend Ronnie Morgan (played by Justin Timberlake), the only stability in her life, left to serve in the military. Lazarus takes Rae home and nurses her back to health, but realising she will continue her self-destructive lifestyle, he decides to chain her to a radiator to put her on the right path.
Critics were noticeably less enthusiastic about Black Snake Moan compared to Hustle & Flow, often suggesting the blues soundtrack was more impressive than the film itself. This criticism is justified, as Brewer delivers a derivative work that, despite attempts to spice things up and make it edgier, feels too familiar.
Another issue is that Brewer tries to juggle too many elements at once, resulting in a disjointed film burdened with tonal shifts. The plot about a white sex-addicted nymphette held captive by a religious old black man seems ripe for exploitation or a guilty pleasure, but Brewer plays it straight too often, weighing the film down with moralising. As a straight drama, Black Snake Moan is simply too outlandish, while lacking the humour to work as a dark comedy.
Ronnie's character is underdeveloped and appears relatively late in the film, with his character arc being the least convincing part. Justin Timberlake, despite his efforts, doesn't help much due to his relative lack of acting experience.
What ultimately makes the film watchable are the two great lead performances. Samuel L. Jackson marvels at the opportunity to play an unconventional, complex character determined to do the right thing. Christina Ricci's performance is even more impressive, as she bravely brings audience sympathy to a morally questionable addict. Her role demanded extensive nude scenes and uncomfortable sex sequences, which Ricci later described as difficult. Her efforts resulted in one of the most memorable acting performances of her career.
Despite its flaws, Black Snake Moan is mostly solid and can be recommended to fans of blues music, Jackson, and Ricci.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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