AS I LAY DYING (Cannes Film Festival, Cannes, France 2013)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.7|5.0 Starsìììì

As I Lay Dying—derived from William Faulkner’s novel—uses great cinematography with unusual, simultaneous two-screen display, perfectly timed slow-motion scenes, and unique camera angles that greatly amplify the portrayal of this eerily, dark drama. The actors, superbly cast, portray this story with great attention to detail. Tim Blake Nelson displays great skill in every scene while Brady Permenter shows great promise in this movie, his first theatrical film and acting debut.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Addie Bundren (Beth Grant) lies dying and requests her family bury her in Jefferson, Mississippi. The journey complicates itself after a bad rain storm.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director James Franco for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Boaz Davidson, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Heidi Jo Markel, Trevor Short, and John Thompson for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Darl Bundren (James Franco), Anse (Tim Blake Nelson), Cash (Jim Parrack), Dewey Dell (Ahna O’Reilly), Jewel (Logan Marshall-Green), Vardaman Bundren (Brady Permenter), Vernon Tull (Danny McBride), Dr. Peabody (Brian Lally), Cora Tull (Jennifer Kristen Howell), Eula Tull (Anna Kooris), Kate Tull (Natalie Minton), and Reverend Whitfield (Steve Nabors).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a dive into a world of poverty and ignorance. It’s not a good movie if you’re looking for a light and happy story.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers