Ultra-violent and almost gleefully sanguinary, The Proposition can be hard to watch (a flogging sequence goes on so long that the fellow wielding the lash has to pause in order to wring out the blood), but if you can tolerate the gore, John Hillcoat's Australian Western proves to be a strangely compelling, even perversely poetic work. In the screenplay, by rock musician Nick Cave (who also co-wrote the score), Stanley (Ray Winstone), an English lawman recruited to tame the uncouth Outback, captures two outlaw Burns brothers, offering a proposition to older brother Charlie (Guy Pearce): Stanley will spare his young sibling from execution if Charlie will track down and kill his other brother (Danny Huston), who is the leader of the gang. Charlie ultimately makes his way into dangerous aboriginal territory, where he finds his quarry—quietly mad and prone to violent outbursts yet also surprisingly sensitive and well educated—but can Charlie kill his own brother? Meanwhile, the townspeople are considering overriding Stanley's pledge, setting up a final confrontation. The Proposition plays like a medieval morality play drenched in blood and gore and set against the backdrop of an untamed world. It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but the juxtaposition of thematic ugliness and visual beauty is heady, while the revival of old themes in a fresh environment carries a wallop. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
The Proposition
First Look, 104 min., R, DVD: $26.99, Sept. 19 Volume 21, Issue 4
The Proposition
Star Ratings
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