Synopsis
Karl Childers, a mentally disabled man, has been in the custody of the state mental hospital since the age of 12 for killing his mother and her lover. Although thoroughly institutionalized, he is deemed fit to be released into the outside world.
Votre Filmothèque
Cast
- Billy Bob ThorntonKarl Childers
- Dwight YoakamDoyle Hargraves
- J.T. WalshCharles Bushman
- John RitterVaughan Cunningham
- Lucas BlackFrank Wheatley
- Natalie CanerdayLinda Wheatley
- James HamptonJerry Woolridge
- Robert DuvallKarl's Father
- Rick DialBill Cox
- Brent BriscoeScooter Hodges
Recommandations
- 90
Film.com
The lure of Sling Blade is both elemental and hauntingly familiar, and I would not be surprised if Thornton's breakthrough film is one day considered a classic in its own right. - 90
Chicago Reader
Perhaps the most remarkable thing here is Thornton's nuanced performance, but the film has other rare virtues: all the characters are fully and richly fleshed out (with some unexpected turns by John Ritter and singer Dwight Yoakam), and the story's construction is carefully measured. - 90
Los Angeles Times
Catches you up so firmly in its world that you find yourself accepting whatever Thornton presents right up to its deeply ironic finish. - 90
Washington Post
Takes you down paths full of primitive, almost biblical implications, but it also finds comic relief in moments of palpable tension. - 89
Austin Chronicle
Thornton, who wrote, directed, and stars in Sling Blade, has created an unforgettable character and situation, a film that's sure to become an American classic. - 88
Chicago Sun-Times
There is pain, humor, irony and sweetness in the character, and a voice and manner so distinctive, he is the most memorable movie character I've seen in a long time. - 80
Film.com
(Thornton) proves his mettle as an actor, writer and director with this bleakly comic and surprisingly tender movie. - 80
Variety
Marked by some powerful scenes, fine performances and colorful dialogue, this talented directorial debut by actor-writer Billy Bob Thornton has its effectiveness diluted by serious overlength and a rather monotonous, unmodulated tone.
