Affliction

In his justly nominated Oscar-worthy performance, Nick Nolte stars as Wade Whithouse, the sheriff in a backwoods New Hampshire town, whose duties include plowing the snow-bound streets and acting as the school crossing guard. Not regarded with the highest respect ("Don't go playing policeman," he is jocularly told at one point), Wade is estranged from his contemptuous ex-wife, and his pathetic attempts to connect with his young daughter fail miserably. Two events set the stage for Wade's "strange and criminal disappearance." First, a wealthy businessman is shot while in the company of Wade's best friend. Second, he finds his mother dead in bed. Meanwhile (meanwhile?!), Wade is plagued with an excruciating toothache and is haunted by memories of abuse at the hands of his alcoholic father (James Coburn in his Oscar-winning performance). This wrenching adaptation of Russell Banks' bestseller unfolds with devastating impact as Wade inevitably comes to terms with his toxic childhood. The excellent ensemble also includes Sissy Spacek as Wade's waitress girlfriend, and Willem Dafoe as Wade's long-absent brother. Highly recommended. (K. Lee Benson)