Black Snake Moan (2006)

A God-fearing bluesman takes to a wild young woman who, as a victim of childhood sexual abuse, looks everywhere for love, never quite finding it.

Director:

Craig Brewer

Writer:

Craig Brewer

Stars:

Samuel L. Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Lazarus
Christina Ricci	...	Rae
Justin Timberlake	...	Ronnie
S. Epatha Merkerson	...	Angela
John Cothran Jr.	...	Reverend R. L. (as John Cothran)
David Banner	...	Tehronne
Michael Raymond-James	...	Gill
Adriane Lenox	...	Rose Woods
Kim Richards	...	Sandy
Neimus K. Williams	...	Lincoln
Leonard L. Thomas	...	Deke Woods
Ruby Wilson	...	Mayella
Claude Phillips	...	Bojo
Amy Lavere	...	Jesse
Clare Grant	...	Kell

Storyline

In rural Mississippi, Lazarus, a former blues musician who survives by truck farming, finds a young girl nearly beaten to death near his home. She's the white-trash town tramp, molded by a life of sexual abuse at the hands of her father and verbal abuse from her mother, who seems to delight in reminding Rae of her mistake in not aborting her. Lazarus, who is also facing personal crisis at the dissolution of his marriage, nurses Rae back to health, providing her with gentle, fatherly advice as well as an education in blues music. Rae's boyfriend, Ronnie, goaded by the man who nearly beat Rae to death, misunderstands the relationship between Lazarus and Rae, and vows to kill him. Lazarus, exhibiting a street-smart understanding of violence and its motives, calls Ronnie's bluff, senses that he is as troubled as Rae, and becomes a guiding force in the young couple's resurrection.

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Plot Keywords:

abuse | sexual abuse | farming | love | blues music | 

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Taglines:

To save his soul he must save hers.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong sexual content, language, some violence and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Paramount [fr]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 March 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

A lánc

Filming Locations:

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$4,143,199 (USA) (2 March 2007)

Gross:

$9,396,487 (USA) (18 May 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Classics, New Deal Productions, Southern Cross the Dog Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Black and White (archive footage) Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The panties Christina Ricci wore in the film were bought by herself at Dillard's department store. She also contributed cowboy boots, a Wrangler jacket, and a pair of shorts from her own closet.

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Goofs

At about 1 hour 48 minutes into the movie, when Ronnie & Rae are traveling down the highway in the old Caprice Classic, when the logging truck is beside them, the gear selector is still in the parked position.

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Quotes

Lazarus: I'm cookin' steaks fah dinnah. I expect you to stay.

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Connections

Referenced in To the Devil a Dog (2005)

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Soundtracks

"Catfish Blues"
Written by Robert Petway
Performed by Samuel L. Jackson

User Reviews

surprising movie with a good message

Working at a movie theater as a projectionist, I have the opportunity to watch basically every movie that comes out. When I first saw the trailer for 'Black Snake Moan' I laughed and thought, "Great. Another 'Snakes on a Plane' Samuel L Jackson movie". But of course, I wanted to see it for the laugh factor. Many people have judged this movie too quickly based on the innuendo in the title, the images on promotional ads and on the fact that Justin Timberlake is in the film. Personally I loved every second of this movie. It tells the story of an older man and young woman who are both going through rough times and are able to reach out to one another. The story is truly touching and sends out a great message about life and how we live. Of course, I do not recommend it for young audiences due to some graphic material, but if you are looking for a great story and genuine acting from Sam Jackson, Christina Ricci and,yes, even Justin Timberlake, I encourage you to see 'Black Snake Moan'.