There's
a lot going on in this ambitious new film from writer/director Tim Robbins. So
much in fact, it would take much too long to cover so I'll shorten things up a
bit.
The
story takes place in the 1930's as future film-maker Orson Wells attempts to direct
a play that many people in the political circuit consider inappropriate. Through
a barrage of interesting characters and intersecting storylines, Robbins attempts
to show the process through which the play is produced and the effect it has on
the people involved.
First
and foremost, Robbins has emerged as a very gifted storyteller. He's jammed Cradle
Will Rock with loads of interesting information and although the film is a bit
muddled at times, there is no denying the passion that Robbins has for this material.
Robbin's
has assembled a dream ensemble with many recognizable faces but the standouts
are John Turturro as a passionate actor, Ruben Blades as a politically active
painter, Angus Macfadyen as the abrasive Orson Wells, and a heartbreaking Bill
Murray as a lonely ventriloquist.
Many
will no doubt be bored by the film's pace, but I was compelled most of the time,
particularly towards the end when the play is put on. With Bob Roberts, Dead Man
Walking and now Cradle Will Rock, Tim Robbins has proven himself to not only be
a tremendous actor, but a heck of a film-maker as well.
