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Sling Blade

  • 19961996
  • RR
  • 2h 15m
IMDb RATING
8.0/10
93K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,812
194
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Billy Bob Thornton in Sling Blade (1996)
HV
Play trailer1:51
2 Videos
73 Photos
  • Drama

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.

IMDb RATING
8.0/10
93K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,812
194
  • Director
    • Billy Bob Thornton
  • Writer
    • Billy Bob Thornton(play)
  • Stars
    • Billy Bob Thornton
    • Dwight Yoakam
    • J.T. Walsh
Top credits
  • Director
    • Billy Bob Thornton
  • Writer
    • Billy Bob Thornton(play)
  • Stars
    • Billy Bob Thornton
    • Dwight Yoakam
    • J.T. Walsh
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 343User reviews
    • 85Critic reviews
    • 84Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Oscar
      • 14 wins & 15 nominations total

    Videos2

    Sling Blade
    Trailer 1:51
    Sling Blade
    Sling Blade
    Trailer 1:53
    Sling Blade

    Photos73

    John Ritter and Billy Bob Thornton in Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton and Lucas Black in Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton in Sling Blade (1996)
    John Ritter in Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton and Lucas Black in Sling Blade (1996)
    John Ritter, Billy Bob Thornton, and Dwight Yoakam in Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton in Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton in Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton at an event for Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton at an event for Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton at an event for Sling Blade (1996)
    Billy Bob Thornton at an event for Sling Blade (1996)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Billy Bob Thornton
    Billy Bob Thornton
    • Karl Childersas Karl Childers
    Dwight Yoakam
    Dwight Yoakam
    • Doyle Hargravesas Doyle Hargraves
    J.T. Walsh
    J.T. Walsh
    • Charles Bushmanas Charles Bushman
    John Ritter
    John Ritter
    • Vaughan Cunninghamas Vaughan Cunningham
    Lucas Black
    Lucas Black
    • Frank Wheatleyas Frank Wheatley
    Natalie Canerday
    Natalie Canerday
    • Linda Wheatleyas Linda Wheatley
    James Hampton
    James Hampton
    • Jerry Woolridgeas Jerry Woolridge
    Robert Duvall
    Robert Duvall
    • Karl's Fatheras Karl's Father
    Rick Dial
    • Bill Coxas Bill Cox
    Brent Briscoe
    Brent Briscoe
    • Scooter Hodgesas Scooter Hodges
    Christine Renee Ward
    Christine Renee Ward
    • Melindaas Melinda
    • (as Christy Ward)
    Sarah Boss
    • Marsha Dwigginsas Marsha Dwiggins
    Kathy Sue Brown
    • Theresa Evansas Theresa Evans
    Wendell Rafferty
    • Melvinas Melvin
    Bruce Hampton
    • Morrisas Morris
    • (as Col. Bruce Hampton Ret.)
    Vic Chesnutt
    • Terenceas Terence
    Mickey Jones
    Mickey Jones
    • Monty Johnsonas Monty Johnson
    Ian Moore
    • Randy Horsefeathersas Randy Horsefeathers
    • Director
      • Billy Bob Thornton
    • Writer
      • Billy Bob Thornton(play) (screenplay)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    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
    • southern gothic
    • mental institution
    • small town
    • neo noir
    • based on play
    • 61 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • Sometimes a hero comes from the most unlikely place.
    • Genre
      • Drama
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for strong language, including descriptions of violent and sexual behavior
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Billy 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.
    • Goofs
      The 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.
    • Quotes

      Karl: I like them French fried potaters.

    • Crazy credits
      The opening credits start about 18 minutes into the film.
    • Alternate versions
      The Director's Cut runs 12 minutes longer than the original theatrical releases.
    • Connections
      Featured in At the Movies: Star Trek: First Contact/Shine/Jingle All the Way/Sling Blade/Microcosmos (1996)
    • Soundtracks
      The 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

    User reviews343

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    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.
    helpful•127
    22
    • theENK
    • Mar 1, 2004

    FAQ3

    • Does Karl have Tourette Syndrome?
    • Why was Doyle so cruel?
    • How old is Karl?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • March 14, 1997 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Resplandor en la noche
    • Filming locations
      • Benton, Arkansas, USA
    • Production companies
      • Miramax
      • Shooting Gallery
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • 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
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 15 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby SR
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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