The King: A (Sort of) Movie Review

So last night we watched "The King," starring Gael Garcia Bernal (Amores Perros, Y Tu Mama Tambien), and William Hurt. Although it was surprisingly anticlimactic at the end, I'd definitely say this one is worth watching. Without spoiling any of the many unexpected twists and turns involved here, let me just say: it is tragedy, old school style. Biblical, Greek, Shakespearean tragedy, with the requisite number of bodies and a little incest for good measure. And there is that sense that everything is rolling downhill, and nothing can stop it.

Here's the set-up: Bernal gets out of the Navy and heads to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he introduces himself to his father (William Hurt). Hurt has been saved, and is now a pastor in a sort of rock-and-roll contemporary church. He doesn't want to acknowledge Bernal as his son, and turns him away. And this is where the aforementioned "downhill" begins.

One of the most redeeming features of the movie is Gael's performance. He walks a line throughout the movie and does so well. I was never really sure if he understood all the implications of his actions or not. He was either Machiavellian in his revenge, or not-that-bright and struggling to be a part of this family, no matter what the cost. William Hurt also turns in a pretty stellar performance as the pastor. Really, everyone does a pretty great job.

And the cinematography is interesting and at times beautiful - especially one scene in particular with wide-angle close-ups of Pell James' (Hurt's daughter) face.

Anyway, that's what I'm watching. I think this movie sort of slipped under the radar, and although it's not perfect, it's well worth the watch.