Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town.Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town.Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town.
- Director
- Writer
- Billy Bob Thornton(play)
- Stars
- Won 1 Oscar
- 14 wins & 15 nominations total
Videos2
Christine Renee Ward
- Melindaas Melinda
- (as Christy Ward)
Bruce Hampton
- Morrisas Morris
- (as Col. Bruce Hampton Ret.)
- Director
- Writer
- Billy Bob Thornton(play) (screenplay)
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
- All cast & crew
Storyline
A partially handicapped man named Karl is released from a mental hospital, about 20 years after murdering his mother and another person. Karl is often questioned if he will ever kill again, and he shrugs in response saying there is no reason to. Now out of the mental institution, Karl settles in his old, small hometown, occupying himself by fixing motors. After meeting a young boy named Frank, who befriends him, Karl is invited to stay at Frank's house with his mother Linda, who views Karl as a strange but kind and generous man. However, Linda's abusive boyfriend, Doyle, sees things differently in the way rules ought to be run- normally insulting Linda's homosexual friend Vaughan as well as Karl's disabilities, and having wild parties with his friends. As Karl's relationship with Frank grows, he is watchful of Doyle's cruel actions. —commanderblue
- Taglines
- Sometimes a hero comes from the most unlikely place.
- Genre
- Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
- Rated R for strong language, including descriptions of violent and sexual behavior
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaBilly Wilder once told Billy Bob Thornton that he was "too ugly" to be an actor, and that he should write a screenplay for himself, where he could exploit his "less than perfect" features. After this movie launched Thornton's career, he publicly discussed his conversation with Wilder, which was at a cocktail party where he was working as a waiter. He got a call from Wilder, who invited him over to his house. Wilder said he didn't recall their conversation, but was glad that he heeded his advice. As a gift, Wilder gave Thornton a paperback copy of this movie's script with his autograph, and a personal message inscribed on it.
- GoofsThe morning after Karl slept at the warden's house the scene opens with an exterior view of a one-story house. The next shot is in the interior and shows a set of stairs that are obviously going up to a second floor.
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits start about 18 minutes into the film.
- Alternate versionsThe Director's Cut runs 12 minutes longer than the original theatrical releases.
- SoundtracksThe One I Love
(instrumental)
Written by Ali Jennings and Daniel Lanois
Performed by Ali Jennings
Courtesy of Daniel Lanois, Ali Jennings Songs/Socan, Daniel Lanois Songs/Socan
Top review
Convincing and thought provoking.
Sling Blade is a very well acted, well displayed, and interesting masterpiece. I just loved it from beginning to end.
First I would like to comment on the excellent acting across the board, especially the late John Ritter and Billy Bob Thornton's ensemble portrayal of Karl. I could not help but feel very attached to Karl from the opening scene, his release from the mental institution, his struggles with the outside world, and how he related to the town people. Sling Blade is one of those movies that I would love to sit down and talk about for hours with a friend. I would also love to hear others' perspectives about what made this movie great.
It seems that every scene was worked to perfection. From the lighting and camera's viewpoint to the acting and music. I enjoyed every scene, but thought that three really stood out. Without giving too much away, they are as follows. No spoilers here:
1. Inside the house after band practice where Karl does not move from the couch.
2. When Karl is visited at work and we see him make eye contact for the first time.
3. The scene where Karl is in the garage late at night. The chilling music really captures the mood. My heart was pounding during this one!
I hold Mr. Thornton to a very high respect. He created a masterpiece that is emotional, thrilling, dramatic, humorous, and entertaining.
First I would like to comment on the excellent acting across the board, especially the late John Ritter and Billy Bob Thornton's ensemble portrayal of Karl. I could not help but feel very attached to Karl from the opening scene, his release from the mental institution, his struggles with the outside world, and how he related to the town people. Sling Blade is one of those movies that I would love to sit down and talk about for hours with a friend. I would also love to hear others' perspectives about what made this movie great.
It seems that every scene was worked to perfection. From the lighting and camera's viewpoint to the acting and music. I enjoyed every scene, but thought that three really stood out. Without giving too much away, they are as follows. No spoilers here:
1. Inside the house after band practice where Karl does not move from the couch.
2. When Karl is visited at work and we see him make eye contact for the first time.
3. The scene where Karl is in the garage late at night. The chilling music really captures the mood. My heart was pounding during this one!
I hold Mr. Thornton to a very high respect. He created a masterpiece that is emotional, thrilling, dramatic, humorous, and entertaining.
helpful•12722
- theENK
- Mar 1, 2004
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Resplandor en la noche
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $24,444,121
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $28,139
- Dec 1, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $24,444,121
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