Monster's Ball (2001)

Monster’s Ball: Directed by Marc Forster. With Billy Bob Thornton, Taylor Simpson, Gabrielle Witcher, Heath Ledger. After a family tragedy, a racist prison guard re-examines his attitudes while falling in love with the African-American wife of the last prisoner he executed.

“What are you repulsed by? Perhaps itu0026#39;s having sex with women of African origin inspite of the fact that you are a White male raised in a racist culture that dehmanises them. Add to this predicament, that you are a retired, widowed prison corrections officer whou0026#39;s only son kills himself because he feels heu0026#39;s failed you because he is not racist enough. Even worse, you become enligthtened enough to realise that .. you were ALWAYS wrong.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is a brilliant story told from the rather selfish perspective of the White male. Mark Forster has directed a tour de force so intricate and psychologically honest that the story literally TELLS itself. Indeed, Iu0026#39;d bet this story organically spewed from souls of screenwirters Milo Addica u0026amp; Will Rokos. They wonu0026#39;t top this fete anytime soon. Such a gateway of insight only comes around once in a lifetime.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs a huge fan of David Mamet and Sam Shepard I am biased to appreciate a well balanced story, illustrated with terse dialogue, structured acting and effective filmic devices (i.e., the use of u0026quot;whiteu0026quot; paintu0026quot;, u0026quot;blacku0026quot; coffee and u0026quot;chocolateu0026quot; ice cream in the film).u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAny film student will also appreciate the poetic use of foreshadowing and irony in this film. This truly is SOLID filmaking that takes real chances with provocative subject matter.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe acting is superb more because of the Direction. To be certain: this is a Directoru0026#39;s Film. Every aspect of Thortonu0026#39;s and Berryu0026#39;s performances is the result of very savvy Direction and attention to dramatic detail.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eKudos to Mr. Forster. I look forward his upcoming film u0026quot;Neverlandu0026quot; with great anticipation.”