Sep 09, 2001 01:37 AM
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I am a fan of Jack Nicholson. But, I was not sure I wanted to see The Pledge. I had read some reviews on it and it is about a dark, heart rending subject. Nicholson amazed me, as usual. He is supported by a good cast and an even better direction. Sean Penn has fame to Madonna and a roll of films that I never cared to rent. But, his direction of The Pledge is brilliant, using 'scene senerio' to keep you up to date 'ahead of the movie'. The Pledge is brilliant AND realistic. Not intended for children, this one is for the adults.
Nicholson plays the part of Jerry Black, a 'retiring' cop. And he is supported by Robin Wright-Penn who plays his 'girl Friday' in the movie. The chemistry is there. Also supported by Sam Shepard as his boss and Benicio Del Toro with a short lived, well acted part as Toby...the suspect. The plot {revealed with only a teasing detail} is about a cop who is ready for retirement. He is stressed out and comes back to work long enough to 'do' his retirement party. His boss, Pollack {Shepard} is only coldly politely as he deals with Jerry Black. You believe the characters, which are in part due to Penn's direction. Prepare for stark reality.
The Pledge: minor detail
In the opening scene you understand that Jerry Black is an avid fisherman. Not to long into the film you also understand that a sexual assault is taking place with a little girl as the victim. And, early in the film, you are allowed to see the killer. {or so you think} To much for Jerry, he decides to stick his nose into the latest case. He even goes so far as to pledge to the mother that he will catch the killer.
Once a suspect is caught, with witness information, it appears the case is settled. This scene for questioning the suspect is strong and violent. Keep your eye on Nicholson. You, too, decide the suspect may be the wrong one. Will you become obsessed with the case, as Nicholson? He investigates and takes you along for the ride. The subject matter is strong, and the subject matter is reality. Because of the strong cast and the strong direction, it is very real.
Personal review:
Although I do not like dark, depressing films, this one is stark reality acted out well. And Jack Nicholson is at peak. As the movie progresses, you need to stay with it and not miss details. The ending is a decision you will make. And you will think about the movie after it is over. The Pledge is another Nicholson winner! R rated for violence, language, and sexual situations, it is not a movie for children or teens.
