Red State
Kevin Smith's right-wing nightmare is an intriguing mixture of horror, action thriller and black comedy.
Having finally got to see Kevin Smith’s Red State this week, we are pleased to report that behind all the hype there in fact lies a very solid thriller. The director’s bizarre behaviour in the build up to release should not overshadow what is in fact one of his best films.
The story follows a trio of typically Smith - written horny teenagers, driving into the midst of rural Texas on a promise of a sordid internet-arranged encounter with an older woman (Melissa Leo). Finding themselves caught in a trap by the local fundamentalist loonies, led by pastor Abin Cooper (Michael Parks) they are drawn into a horrifying cult-like experience, which is only made worse with the intervention of a trigger-happy government team led by a highly strung agent (John Goodman)
The first half of Red State certainly has something of an eeriness about it, not in any specific imagery but in the starkness in which the religious right are depicted. The enemy here is based on the Westboro Baptist church, and the fact that this is not a tentacled monster or giant lizard is a compelling notion. The philosophy of the group is removed from fiction, and the concept is all the more frightening for it.
Much of the second half is an action-heavy shoot ‘em up, which delivers as a thriller but does feel a little hollow after the atmosphere-packed first 45 minutes. Smith does not handle this side of Red State as well as the beginning, and it has to be said that when it comes to directing, he shows a much stronger hand when dealing with the wide streak of black humour. This element is very well-judged, offsetting the uncomfortable feeling which we get from the tone of the film nicely, with the brilliant ending in particular drawing wide grins from the audience after the tension beforehand.
Smith’s major misstep comes in the pacing. The scene in which we are first introduced to Cooper’s congregation contains a lengthy, sinister sermon from the pastor, and although at first it is gripping thanks to Parks’ great performance, the sequence does drag. For a film with a lean running time of 88 minutes, it is a little jarring that the middle should slow down to almost a crawl, before rather rushing the conclusion.
Looking past the creator for a moment though, there are some fantastic performances in Red State – Parks is almost perfect as the fire and brimstone preacher, who coos to his grandchildren in the same breath as condemning the unrighteous to hell, and Leo is a frightening, wild-eyed presence as a rabid believer. Goodman is superb - always charismatic, he injects his world-weary character with a skilful mixture of humour and gravity which stands out amongst the bullet-strewn carnage.
An intriguing mixture of horror, action thriller and black comedy, Red State is a worthy watch, and is for the most part a real departure for the controversial Smith. This can stand as one of his best films, and despite pacing issues, is a great way to spend 90 minutes.
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