Sling Blade

Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter

Miramax Films; Directed by Billy Bob Thornton

Rated R; 136 minutes; 1996

After spending 25 years in a mental institution for murdering his mother and her boyfriend, Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton), a mildly retarded man, is thrust back into society with potentially dire consequences. Believing Karl to be completely rehabilitated, Karl’s doctors and friends never imagined that history would repeat itself in this harrowing drama.

 

AWARDS

69TH Academy Award® winner for SCREENPLAY BASED ON MATERIAL PREVIOUSLY PRODUCED OR PUBLISHED

 

 

 

REVIEWS

Over 25 top critics including the LOS ANGELES TIMES agree "One of the year’s best films!"

"**** SLING BLADE announces a vital and daring new talent. An astonishing, highly textured, intensely felt portrait of the American soul. Beautifully acted by Billy Bob Thornton."

- Patrick McGavin, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

"**** Utterly original. The best storytelling to come out of the South since William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor. Billy Bob Thornton is the most powerful presence to hit the screen since the young Marlon Brando."

- Steve Oldfield, FOX-TV

"Reason to rejoice. A mesmerizing story. Writer/director Billy Bob Thornton delivers an astonishing performance. Dwight Yoakam is splendid. First-rate."

- Guy Flatley, COSMOPOLITAN

"Unforgettable. An acting tour de force. Billy Bob Thornton deserves an Oscar®."

- Nancy Jay, ABC-TV

"Two thumbs up."

- SISKEL & EBERT

"Billy Bob Thornton gives an arresting performance."

- Janet Maslin, THE NEW YORK TIMES

"A masterful classic. Full of depth and integrity. This is provocative filmmaking of the highest order. Brilliantly acted by Billy Bob Thornton."

- Paul Wunder, WBAI RADIO

"SLING BLADE is virtuoso writing, acting and directing."

- Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"A terrific surprise. Uplifting and magnificently acted."

- John Corcoran, KCAL-TV

"Billy Bob Thornton is brilliant!"

- Jack Mafhews, NEWSDAY

"Riveting. Billy Bob Thornton is stupendous."

- Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE

"Billy Bob Thornton is a revelation. He has crafted a rich, emotionally complex role. It resonates with the best of Southern fiction."

- Mark Caro, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

"John Ritter is brilliant!"

- Jeffrey Lyons, TODAY IN NEW YORK

"Dwight Yoakam is flat out terrific!"

- John Corcoran, KCAL-TV

"**** Exhilarating! A Classic!"

- Jay Carr, BOSTON GLOVE

"**** Absolutely unforgettable!"

- Edward Guthmann, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"**** A brilliant gothic tale!"

- James Verniere, BOSTON HERALD

"**** SLING BLADE scores!"

- Paula Nechak, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

"**** Mesmerizing!"

- David Elliot, SAN DIEGO UNIONTRIBUNE

"**** Unforgettable!"

- Steven Rosen, DENVER POST

"**** Outstanding!"

- Bob Fenster, THE ARIZONA

"**** Unlike anything you’ve ever seen!"

- Jack Garner, ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT &CHRONICLE

"****A masterful thriller!"

- Joe Baltake, SACRAMENTO BEE

"**** Exceptionall"

- Lee Williams, THE PORTLAND OREGONIAN

"Reason to rejoice!"

- Guy Flatley, COSMOPOLITAN

"A crowd pleaser!"

- Georgia Brown, VILLAGE VOICE

 

 

ONE SHEET LINER

Sometimes a hero comes from the most unlikely place.