Jolene

I didn't know what to expect from this film, but I found it to be very well written and acted. It was believeable and moved at a great pace. It kind of reminded me of Sissy Spachek in Coal Miners Daughter.

Of all the films I saw at the 2008 Seattle International Film Fest, "Jolene" is the one that stayed with me. Jessica Chastain gives a multi layered, complex, superlative performance as the title character. A girl drifting through her life looking for love in all the wrong places. The film stays away from sentimental payoffs giving it a very distinctive tone. Are we suppose to sympathize with Jolene? Dan Ireland, the director, leaves that to us in another honest and wonderful tale of longing and hope. From Rene Zellwegger in "The Whole Wide World" to Joan Plowright in "Mrs Palfrey At The Claremont" Dan Ireland has shown a remarkable flair to bring out the best on his female characters and more. Frances Fisher gives an Academy Award worthy performance in a part so far away from anything I've ever seen her do that it took me a while to realize it was her. Michael Vartan, Dermot Mulroney, Chazz Palmintieri and in particular Rupert Friend give vivid, powerful performances. "Jolene" is unique in a year of sequels and TV adaptations. I can't wait to see it again. Congratulations Mr. Ireland and thank you for your passionated and coherent commitment to the independent soul.

Jessica Chastain gives one of those performances that make history in this wonderful Dan Ireland film based on a short story by Doctorow. She goes through a life of radical changes, so much so that it could be considered a multi character study if not for the amazing truth in Chastain's portrayal. The exteriors may change and circumstances may appear diametrically opposite but at its very center she's the same girl we met at the beginning, never ever betraying that spirit or that thirst for life. Like in Dan Ireland's "The Whole Wide World", that launched the career of Rene Zellwegger, "Jolene" may do the same for Jessica Chastain. I don't think I'll see a better performance this year.

Most reviewers are taking this movie too literally. Of course the plot is ridiculous and the characters are simpleton and/or abusive stereotypes. The story is of the failed-fallen women genre but updated to the 1980's and it's full of too-recognizable motifs and characters. Enjoy it for the screen candy (sour/sweet) it is.

Dolly Parton wrote a terrific catchy song, and E.L.Doctorow wrote a 3 1/2 page story that reads like a tightly-constructed fable . . . that there are multiple complications in the life of a young/maturing, sexy-beyond-her-maturity, girl/women. It is a fantastical tale, yes.

And Dan Ireland, Jessica Chastain and an underrated cast bring this fable to life. It's not particularly realistic nor pleasant, but Ms Chastain is brilliant (again), and yes quite beautiful too. Take it for what it is, and watch one of two greatest actresses of our era from Sacramento, CA light up your screen!

Think "Monster" but much more lighthearted and charming. I watched this movie with neither preconception nor hype; in fact I almost overlooked it. From the opening scenes I even imagined it may be a comedy and it does indeed contain many amusing moments that naturally emerge from the story and bring a smile to the face. Darker moments sober the viewer throughout but the narrative fails to linger long enough to bring the mood down, and despite the trials and tribulations, the overall feeling of the movie, like Jolene herself, is quite upbeat. It's hard to find much fault with "Jolene"; it is what it is. Unfortunately, what it's not is an hour longer. I could have easily sat through more in the hope of a more conclusive ending or just to see where the road might take her next. However, Jolene's erratic journey through life is ongoing and the lack of a Hollywood finale serves this movie well. If you're bored of blockbuster bombardment then "Jolene" could well provide a refreshing antidote.