Would You Have The Faith? (Dead Man Walking (DVD))

Member Name: Brown_eyes1984

Product:	Dead Man Walking (DVD)
Date:	19/06/06 (168 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: great cast performances, based on a true story

Disadvantages: Some people amy find it too upsetting

Based on a true story, Dead Man Walking is the story of a nun who befriends a man on death row after receiving letters from him asking her for guidance. Following an emotional journey into the life of a murderer, Dead Man Walking truly is a moving film that will capture your emotions right from the start.

*** Cast and Crew ***

Tim Robbins is the director of this film but he is more famous for his acting roles in films such as ‘Austin Powers – The Spy Who Shagged Me’, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘High Fidelity’. Trying his luck in directing, he proves that he is more than just a pretty face by delivering this Oscar worthy film.

Susan Sarandon plays the lead as Helen, the nun who befriends the murderer on death row. She is highly convincing and she comes across a little naïve at times. She struggles with her faith as she tries to do the best thing for everybody but soon finds it is impossible to please all parties. How can she possibly explain to the victim’s families the reason that she is supporting the man who murdered their children? How can she explain it to herself?

Sean Penn bags the role of murderer and rapist ‘Matthew Poncelot’. Arrogant and racist, Matthew refuses to admit to what he has done. Claiming he hasn’t murdered anybody and that his accomplish carried out both murders, he asks Sister Helen to help him get off death row. Sean really brings Matthew’s character to life and he puts across a very believable performance. It couldn’t have been easy playing the character but he did it with ease.

The whole film is mainly based on the two main characters but there are some other actors in need of a mention. Cecelia Weston, an actress who has starred in films such as ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days’, and ‘Hulk’, plays the part of Mary Beth Percy, the mother of the girl who was raped and murdered. As small as her role is within the film she plays the part of a grieving mother really well and you really feel for her when Sister Helen visits her to try and comfort her.

Raymond J. Barry played the part of Earl Delacroix, the father of the boy who was murdered. He will be recognised for his parts in films such as ‘Flubber’, ‘Training Day’ and ‘Just Married’. Earl was slightly strange due to the fact that he was still grieving and it had affected him in a way in which he couldn’t face up to it properly. He understood Sister Helen and forgave her for supporting Matthew as he was a catholic himself.

All the characters interacted well with each other and there was chemistry between every one of them. All performed really well and didn’t stray from their usual acting skills in previous films. Susan Sarandon for me really stole the show and although I was confused by her support for Matthew, I did kind of understand it because it was her character. Sean Penn also performed well and can’t be faltered in my eyes.

*** The Power of the Story ***

This really was a unique plot and I liked the fact that it was based on a true story – that always makes a film more powerful for me. It was hard to understand why Helen would go and support Matthew but then it was understandable in a way because she was a nun and had a lot of faith.

The one question that I was left asking myself throughout the film, and afterwards, was ‘why?’ Why did Matthew kill the two teenagers? He didn’t seem to have a good explanation. It showed the real side of murderers and the sad fact that most do not have any real reason behind it and they do not feel remorse afterwards. Matthew did show some remorse but was it genuine?

Without giving away too much, the ending was a little sad. I felt relief but sadness at the same time. It must have been heartbreaking for the families to go through and I cannot imagine what it would have been like for the two murdered teenagers. It did provide flashbacks of what happened and some scenes were a little explicit so I wouldn’t recommend this to younger audiences. I felt the scenes were necessary and it gave more understanding to the viewer of why the crime was so terrible.

Brought to us in 1995 this really was a unique story and it is one I would recommend to most people.

*** How It Was Filmed ***

You can tell that this is an older film because the picture isn’t as clear as it is on newer films. The technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now but that doesn’t mean that it was terrible visual wise.

The way that it did go back in time to when the teenagers were killed, was shot really well. It had an eerie feel to it but it wasn’t fake and pathetic like some horror films. It had the tension and it was compelling to watch to find out what was going to happen. The music that went with it really added to the atmosphere.

There weren’t any unnecessary close ups or zooming involved which I have seen in some other films. Although Robbins hasn’t directed many films it really doesn’t show in this one and it comes across professional and well shot.

The film really didn’t need any fancy filming. It was kept simple but attention grabbing and I have no complaints in this department.

*** Film Length and Certificate ***

The film is given a 15 certificate due to the nature of the rape and murder scene. Running for just over 2 hours, this film is one that isn’t too long or too short.

*** My Overall Opinion ***

I did like this film but felt a bit sad afterwards. I’m a little naive myself when it comes to murder in the fact that I want to know answers as to why the murderer did it. Why take someone’s life and not even think about what you have done? It’s strange but it’s hard knowing that there aren’t any answers and even if there were they wouldn’t be good enough.

It really did tug on the emotions and the cast did a great job at portraying their characters. I haven’t seen capote yet but this film has been compared to that so I will be seeing that as soon as I can.

I would recommend this film but some people may find it upsetting to watch as it is based on a true story.

You can buy the film from most high street stores such as HMV, Virgin and WHSmiths. Prices will vary depending on where you shop but I have seen it for as little as £5.99. You can always choose to buy online too if you want a cheaper deal.

Summary: a good, outstanding film with a great cast