THE PAPERBOY

Words by Louise Fisher

Gritty, gripping and evocative: a darkly comical thriller with plenty of sweat. This film doesn’t hope for a reaction, it demands one.

Probing at issues of family, sex and racism in1960s Florida, Lee Daniels’ adaptation of Pete Dexter’s novel does not disappoint. The story follows ‘Paperboy,’ Jack (Efron), as he offers to help his journalist brother, Ward (McConaughey), save inmate Van Wetter (Cusack) from the electric chair.

Accompanied by Yardley (Oyelowo), his black colleague whose clipped tones and eloquent sarcasm act as a slap in the face to the town’s people, Ward embarks on a mission of justice whilst battling his own inner demons. Added to the mix is Charlotte Bless (Kidman) - an emotionally damaged, dysfunctional woman who writes steamy letters to Van Wetter. Jack becomes infatuated with Charlotte who brazenly flirts, but refuses to satisfy his lust.

Sassy maid Anita (Macy Gray) offers Jack the maternal support he craves. The affectionate bickering between these two is so natural it instils an honest, believable quality to their relationship, which we failed to find in ‘The Help’.

Kidman is convincing and strong throughout, reminding us what she’s made of after her more contrived efforts in The Stepford Wives and Moulin Rouge. Even when squatting over Efron in the controversial peeing scene or writhing around on a chair for her sadistic lover, Kidman manages to portray the vulnerability and sense of unique morality this character possesses.

The music is cleverly chosen and supports the tone of each scene, one minute thrilling and tense, the next off-beat and quirky. Bubbling below the surface, Daniels reveals a seedy undercurrent of desire, frustration and denial. The result is violent outbursts, closely shot for maximum impact.

Although a lack of fluidity and patchy narration can make this a somewhat dis-jointed watch, The Paperboy remains a raw, provocative account of human relationships that immerses you in the sweat soaked swamp lands and grips you from beginning to end.

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