I have been avoiding The Pledge for the longest time. I kept looking at the cover and thought it was just another fill in the blank Jack N. movie. Boy was I wrong!

This is one of the most visually stunning, haunting movies I have seen to date. Couple that with the beautiful and esoteric music score, and I was drawn to it with wonder.

Mixed emotions (sad, depressed, in awe, anticipation.) What's going to happen next. Who is the real killer. What a beautiful scene. What a beautiful sound track. So many things going on at once. Not to mention, this is arguably one of Jacks best perfomances.

As for the famous ending. I guess that was my only dissapointment. I knew what Penn was trying to say, but I would have liked to see Jack's guilt satisfied instead of him becoming a babbling drunk. But there is still about 10% of me that is asking who the killer really was. Was the Indian lying about beaver trapping? Was the preacher wearing a wig? Was it someone who was just a random serial killer? Was it the shop keeper afterall? To me, leaving that small tidbit in my mind after such an emotional experience is what makes Penn's genius.

I hope this underated movie gets recognized at the awards.

mhmurray:
you may want to edit that to include a spoilers tag-

i couldn't agree with you more. in fact your hesitant inclinations about this title completely parallel my own.
i was getting really tired of the standard JN mode/performance and i saw this on the shelf all the time and avoided it like the plauge.
only, reluctantly, rented it out after hearing tremendous word of mouth on forums like this and like you, very (pleasantly?) surprised.
a top notch job all around, and i may even *gasp* consider this as a purchase in the future.
even after i saw it, i didn't think i would want it, but like The Sweet Hereafter, i just can't get it out of my head.

Great film, my second favorite this year after Mulholland Drive!

It's been a while since I saw this film, (saw it 3 times). If you've only see it once watch it again.

cheers, Tony Block

cheers, Tony Block

* * * SPOILER AHEAD * * *
























































are you sure oliver was the son? he was briefly visible in the background in one scene, and he looked like an older grey hair gent - more likely to be her husband?

My thoughts:



'E

And he was a bad man too! hehehehehe!

cheers, Tony Block

Black Square

Yep, Black Square (with smilies)!! ..that is how I feel about the movie

I don't say this about many movie, but I did not like it at all. I might go as far as saying, I hated the movie.

Could you elaborate. What was it about the movie that you hated. Thanks.

cheers, Tony Block