Review: State of Grace (Joanou, 1990)
June 30th 2010 03:30
State of Grace (Joanou, 1990)
Written June 29, 2010
State of Grace is one of the most underrated films in recent cinematic history. I originally saw this film in the early 90’s. It was released in 1990, directed by Phil Joanou and features an astonishing character-actor case in the form of Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, John C. Reilly, and John Turturro. It predates The Departed by over a decade, which contains similar. It is scored by the legendary Ennio Morricone and it’s one of my favorite films of all-time.
State of Grace begins with an out of focus credits sequence of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, a foreshadowing for the film’s climax. It is the story of Terry Noonan and his connection to an Irish-American mafia organization centered in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen. After a long absence and a drug deal gone wrong, Terry reconnects with his best friend and gang member Jackie (Oldman) and his ex (also Frankie’s sibling) Kathleen (Robin Wright, before she was Robin Wright Penn; they met on set). He attempts to join Jackie’s organization, which is run by Jackie’s brother, Frankie (Harris). There’s something that should be obvious off the bat to those who pay attention but could be considered a secret and twist to those who dismiss the film’s opening as self-contained.
The plot of the film is nothing terribly original yet is never once boring and always intriguing. What sets this film apart from the rest of the neo-noir crime genre is the charismatic performances of its actors and their chemistry with one another. Seeing two of my favorite characters, Sean Penn and Gary Oldman, interact with one another in numerous scenes and engage in a brilliantly portrayed on-screen relationship is a personal joy. Penn and Wright also engage in one of the sexiest love scenes to be captured on celluloid.
There are multiple stand-out scenes in State of Grace, all of which have to do with the main plotline which may or may not be considered a concealment to some; these scenes are some of my all-time favorites, and to be vague, take place on a subway train, Kathleen’s bedroom, and Terry’s apartment.
The film is low budget and features minimalist, slice-of-life direction. It’s nicely paced; measured in its character development, and Joanou takes his time to focus on the characters’ personalities and inner turmoil as opposed to constant action. When the action does arrive it does so in the form of ultra-violence, in particular the brilliantly executed climax which takes place in a bar. The film was shot entirely on location in New York City and is based upon by the Irish-American crime organization The Westies who operate out of Hell’s Kitchen.
State of Grace was released around the same time as Goodfellas; compared to the stylized perfection of that powerhouse its of little wonder an indie like this failed to catch on with mainstream audiences. It was, however, highly lauded by critics and praised for its realism and performances. Penn is captivating in a role with difficulty complexities to juggle and Oldman is a live-wire, projecting a combination of nervous intensity and fierce loyalties. The film’s third act manages to put a new spin on familiar territory with the way certain events play out and is incredibly refreshing.
I cannot recommend this film highly enough. I encourage those who have not seen it to seek it out and see the great work these actors were putting out earlier in their careers. I also recommend practically any film with Sean Penn and Gary Oldman that you can get your hands on. Those two are in a category of their own.
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Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I reviewed it here if you're interested.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I really enjoy State of Grace too. The slow building tension, the mood of inevitable doom and naturally the performances all make it a great film. The script too is full of dramatic rewards.
Comment by ShaunK
Screen Adventure
Comment by Cinema is Truth
ShaunK - I do agree that some scenes aren't executed as perfectly as they could have been -- but overall the film held up wonderfully. I'd be interested to see if your thoughts have changed upon another viewing
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile