Starring: Edward Norton, Robert De Niro, Milla Jovovich and Frances Conroy
Directed by: John Curran
MPAA Rating: R for strong sexuality and violence, and pervasive language, nudity
Genre: Crime Drama
Running Time: 1hr 45min
Distributed by: Overture Films
By John Delia
Superb acting is featured in Stone, a provocative drama that I found fascinating yet quite implausible. The show here comes from the strength of DeNiro, Norton and Jovovich’s performances that are sensational. If you like stories of passion and betrayal, then Stone should make your day.
The film revolves around parole officer Jack Mabry (DeNiro) who takes on one last case before his impending retirement. Strict, strong and unwavering, Jack seems untouchable when it comes to his work ethic. His final case involves Stone (Norton), an arsonist who believes he is innocent of the murder of his grandparents and should be released based on his good behavior and early release status. The two seem to be working out a good resolve, but Mabry still has some doubts on Stone’s ability to reenter society. When Stone asks his wife Lucetta (Jovovich) to intercede on his behalf, things start to get very complicated.
I liked the performance by DeNiro as the tough parole officer whose life has revolved around his work mainly using his home life as a way to release the daily grind. DeNiro uses his strong persona to work in the film showing Jack’s staunch demeanor that never wavers until his one mistake. Playing the tough inmate Stone, Norton makes his character cagey and convincing by using any ploy he can get his hands on, even the words of a religious sect, while trying to convince Jack that he has been rehabilitated.
But, the most powerful performance comes from Jovovich as Lucetta, the steamy, sultry and unscrupulous wife of Stone, who will do anything to get him out of jail. Her eyes tell most of her intentions while her body movements captivate and take over her intended prey. Jovovich should get recognized for her daring performance with an Oscar nomination.
Direction by John Curan is very good, but the script lacks realism making the film unpredictable and somewhat implausible. Although he makes his scenes during Jack and Stone’s interviews realistic enough, I just couldn’t see Mabry falling for the obvious trap. He does keep his story stimulating enough however, leaving it up to his audience to decide whether it’s possible or not.
Stone is rated R for strong sexuality and violence, and pervasive language. Stone also contains nudity and smoking.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Fine acting makes up for lack of plot plausibility. (3 of 5)