Review:
film "Jesus’ Son"
interview with director Alison MacleanComment from:
john Frame,Director:
Alison MacleanStarring: Billy Crudup, Samantha Morton, Holly Hunter, Denis Leary, Dennis Hopper
One of the most enjoyable cinematic experiences.
On par in every technical respect with multi-Oscar winner American Beauty, but more interesting and real.
Jesus’ Son premiered at the Brisbane International Film Festival in August 2000.
When I spoke with director Alison Maclean, she said, however, that you would knock her down with a feather if Jesus' Son were to receive an Academy Award nomination.
Unlike American Beauty, Jesus’ Son is not a mega-budget, "Big Studio" product – which could also be a positive.
Billy Crudup thoroughly deserved Best Actor for this performance at the Paris Film Festival - but I believe it is Maclean's articulate direction that makes it so memorable.
Living a true '70's alternative lifestyle, Crudup's character is open to life's experiences - acting on impulse and going where his heart and fate take him. In one scene he is surprised to find himself following a strange man off a train to an unknown destination - and with a hard-on!
Maclean sees a similarity in the interplay of women characters in her acclaimed film, Crush.
Jesus’ Son is an intriguing film about the journey to self-acceptance.
Superb cast, performance, cinematography, editing, music & soundtrack - all combine with a faultless screenplay which carefully, but unobtrusively, guides the audience back into the narrative.
This is what going to a cinema should be about (i.e. don't wait for the video).