Eye Of God
1997
Martha Plimpton gives a strong performance as an Oklahoma diner waitress who weds the born-again prison inmate (Kevin Anderson) with whom she's been corresponding, but she soon finds that his ostensible piety masks a cruel, domineering nature that leads inevitably to horrific violence. This deeply affecting film, while .. Read more
| Starring | Martha Plimpton, Hal Holbrook, Nick Stahl, Richard Jenkins |
|---|---|
| Director | Tim Blake Nelson |
| Genres | Drama |
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Eye Of God
Martha Plimpton gives a strong performance as an Oklahoma diner waitress who weds the born-again prison inmate (Kevin Anderson) with whom she's been corresponding, but she soon finds that his ostensible piety masks a cruel, domineering nature that leads inevitably to horrific violence. This deeply affecting film, while examining the way in which death and grief send shockwaves across a small town, employs a complex narrative which shifts around across the frame of the story, involving the viewer in the process of putting together the pieces of this tragic and compelling puzzle. Hal Holbrook and Nick Stahl also turn in exceptional performances. Funded in part by the Sundance Institute.
| Starring | Martha Plimpton, Hal Holbrook, Nick Stahl, Richard Jenkins, Margo Martindale, Mary Kay Place, Maggie Moore, Kevin Anderson, Woody Watson, Wally Welch |
|---|---|
| Director | Tim Blake Nelson |
| Studio | CINEMA CLUB |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 22 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 16 Oct 2006 Production year: 1997 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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This labyrinthine tale of passion, violence and religious fanaticism in small-town America is held together by a simmering performance from Kevin Anderson, who leaves jail to marry Martha Plimpton, the burger waitress who's been writing to him during his sentence for assault. But cutting across this uneasy romance is sheriff Hal Holbrook's attempt to coax the truth from terrified teenager Nick Stahl, found dazed and bloodied. Director Tim Blake Nelson plays fast and loose with the narrative structure as he builds the tension. But it's worth hanging on, if only for the sinister restraint of Anderson's born-again zeal.
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"...The time and place are evoked with quiet, atmospheric shots in Tim Blake Nelson's EYE OF GOD....Martha Plimpton's performance is the center of the movie, quiet and strong..."
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Most helpful member's review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Watchable character study
When small town girl Ainslee meets 'fresh out of prison' Jack her life seems to become some meaning and she is genuinely happy until his old character flaws return...
This is a character study rather than a straight forward drama. Much emphasis is placed on bringing the main players to life with solid acting throughout including some non-irritating voice-overs. There is little action and most of it seems quite predictable. It is worth mentioning that this film has essentially two intertwined story lines that are both told in a non-linear fashion which demands a high level of attention throughout but is not really hindering either. Where the film falls down in my eyes is the lack of genuine sympathy or interest I had for any of the main characters. There was no real dramatic narrative or tension despite the fact that the story would have had plenty of room for this. Ultimately I found myself looking at my watch from time to time even though this is only a short 80min film. I was also disappointed with the rather abrupt ending that leaves too many questions unanswered.
Difficult to recommentd this one - it is watchable but not what I would call interesting.
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- ThomasKus from Gloucester
- Posted 10 Apr 2004 12:24
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
God gets grit in his eye!
The first time film for writer/ Director Tim Blake Nelson, this film was made with a lot of love but contains a lot of heartache.
Excellent performances from Martha Plimpton ('The Goonies', 'Parenthood' & 'ER'), Kevin Anderson ('Hoffa', 'The Wrong Man' and 'Rising Sun') and of course the Sherriff, Hal Holbrook.
The story was told like a jigsaw, so definitely no nipping off for a cup of tea and some scenes were not for the faint hearted.
Worth the money, but you may need to watch it second time to fully track the plot. -
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Eye Of God
Martha Plimpton gives a strong performance as an Oklahoma diner waitress who weds the born-again prison inmate (Kevin Anderson) with whom she's been corresponding, but she soon finds that his ostensible piety masks a cruel, domineering nature that leads inevitably to horrific violence. This deeply ...
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