Karl Childers, a mentally disabled man, has been in the custody of the state mental hospital since the age of 12 for killing his mother and her lover. Although thoroughly institutionalized, he is deemed fit to be released into the outside world.
Similar titles
You May Also Like
Reviews
Just perfect...
Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
A series of scenic shots of a dilapidated rural community: Karl Childers awkwardly walks, turns and stares directly into the camera; capturing the viewer into his world. Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and starred in this intense character study of an anti-hero Karl Childers, a slightly mentally-handicapped man just released from the "nervous hospital" after killing his mother and her lover many years beforehand. Thornton creates such a captivating and well-crafted character, urging the viewer to really get inside his head. Thornton's performance is elevated by the sheer brilliance in every single shot: from the blocking, to the long takes and right down to the well-paced editing. J.T. Walsh bookends the film with two disturbing monologues. This is the definition of a great narrative and a director who knows exactly what he is doing. Sling Blade is the mighty seed needed to nourish any film lover's eyes, heart and mind. S
I'm not going to go in to detail. This movie is a moving study of the decency and beauty of ordinary people. I can hardly believe that I missed it on release. Billy Bob Thornton has been one of my favourite actors for many years but this performance simply blew me away. He proves himself in the Steve Carrell class of actors who can take on a character to the extent that you can't even tell who he is.One of the best movies ever made.
Billy Bob Thornton is so amazing in this movie. He looses himself so completely that it is almost impossible to tell it is actually Billy Bob in the movie. One of the best acting jobs I have ever seen because he never seemed to be acting at all. I believe every person who wishes to become an actress or an actor should be required to watch this movie and learn from one of the best in the business. Everyone did a great job in this movie. But, I know from experience when you have an awesome actor in the lead everyone else works to bring themselves up to their level. This movie is a must see.
This film has great acting and great dialogue. The characters are believable and really draw you in with their unique personalities. If you are looking for a fun film, watch this on a different night. It has some dark overtones, but it's thought provoking and touches some raw emotions. The thought provoking portion deals with morals, religion, and absolute right and wrong. I don't think this movie has an agenda other than to make you think, which it does very well.I've watched this movie about 3 times over the last 18 years and I've enjoyed it each time. This is one of those movies which can't be missed.