Stone is difficult to watch. In fact, it should probably come with a disclaimer similar to those found on drug commercials. You know, the ones that are 24 seconds of horrible side effects and six seconds of benefit. "Some may experience nausea, diarrhea, suicidal tendencies, etc." Stone starts disturbing and essentially strives to stay disturbing throughout, which seems to be the point. Stone is a very human story. It works very hard to showcase the frailty of mankind as he battles himself within society; and it does so very effectively.
Robert DeNiro plays Jack Mabry. Jack works for the parole board. He reviews cases of potential parolee's to make recommendations to the parole board on their potential for release. Obviously, this would be quite a stressful and depressing vocation. Jack is nearing retirement and is seemingly just as wayward at the end as he was in the film's initial scene...which, without giving anything away, is pretty damn lost. I suppose it's understandable. It would be difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life if one spent decades staring at a procession of violent and dysfunctional stories one immediately followed by another.
One of Jack's charges is Stone (Edward Norton). Stone has served eight years of a 10-15 year sentence on an arson rap stemming from the murder of his grandparents. He's just as lost as Jack, if not more so. He's done plenty of time and it's taken its toll. Enter Stone's wife, Lucetta. She a free spirit who is one part child and one part slut. Lucetta tries to weasel her way into Jack's life in an attempt to motivate him to unlock Stone's shackles. Yadayadayada Stone and Jack both go through the process looking for a sense of direction and purpose in this thing called life. One goes through a reality check through a spiritual awakening of sorts. One doesn't.
Stone is a fascinating, albeit depressing, movie. It's going to connect with anyone who has ever questioned their purpose or been on a quest in search of self. That's probably the majority of us. That pretty much sums up my teens and twenties! With Stone, there is a thematic undercurrent of spirituality disguised by man's various views of religion. None of it makes sense to Jack, who goes along with his Episcopalian beliefs seemingly to fit in his inherent social circle. Stone is more open to explore and explore he does.
The acting was amazing. Edward Norton, who is already a staple in my 'incredibly talented actor' column, was outstanding. His character experiences a metamorphosis of sorts, that stills sees him being very much grounded in humanity and all the frailty that comes with it. Norton captures the essence of that evolution during every step of the process. He was outstanding. As for DeNiro, he's Robert DeNiro. Is there anything else I can say? Reminiscent of his portrayal of Dwight in This Boy's Life, DeNiro plays the lost Jack in sterling fashion. Jack is frustrated. He's angry. He's human. DeNiro captured it all.
All things considered, Stone is one of those movies that you won't necessarily enjoy, but it will stay with you. It will prompt you to think and to realize that we are all human. Futher, Stone will help you realize that we are more than human. We're just trying to figure it all out as we deal with each other. I'll go with 3.0 Stars on this one. It's not for everyone, just be mindful of the disclaimer before lighting up the ole Blu-Ray or DVD.
True...OUT!
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