In 1969, reporter Ward Jansen (Matthew McConaughey) and his younger brother (Zac Efron) are investigating the background behind an upcoming execution, helped by a woman (Nicole Kidman) who’s fallen in love with the convict. The dark novel has fans, but the movie is more of a guilty pleasure. A steamy, dirty Southern tale with no surprises, told in a choppy and labored way. No tension, but plenty of atmosphere, and Kidman pulls out all stops as the kind of woman who’d date Jack the Ripper.
2012-U.S. 107 min. Color.Ā Directed byĀ Lee Daniels.Ā Screenplay:Ā Lee Daniels, Peter Dexter.Ā Novel:Ā Peter Dexter.Ā Cast:Ā Matthew McConaughey (Ward Jansen), Zac Efron (Jack Jansen), Nicole Kidman (Charlotte Bless), David Oyelowo, Macy Gray, John Cusackā¦ Scott Glenn.
Trivia:Ā Pedro AlmodĆ³var was allegedly considered for directing duties; Tobey Maguire was also first cast as Ward.
