Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Gael García Bernal | ... | Elvis | |
Derek Alvarado | ... | Scoot | |
![]() |
E. Matthew Buckley | ... | Deck Officer (as Matthew Buckley) |
Monica Peña | ... | Brothel Manager (as Monica Pena) | |
![]() |
Veronica Bernal | ... | Elvis's Girl |
Billy Joe Martinez | ... | Mexican Salesman | |
Mohammad Ahmed | ... | Mr. Chopra | |
Pell James | ... | Malerie | |
![]() |
Sally Allen | ... | PA |
Paul Dano | ... | Paul Sandow | |
Laura Harring | ... | Twyla | |
William Hurt | ... | David | |
![]() |
Roger Kunshick | ... | Young Man with Flower |
![]() |
Ike Reilly | ... | Rum Jungle Singer |
Milo Addica | ... | Bruno |
A motiveless malignancy? Elvis leaves the Navy and heads for Texas where he contacts his father, whom he's never met, the pastor at a Christian community church. Pastor Dave tells Elvis to stay away and, without telling his family that Elvis is his son from a pre-conversion liaison, tells them to have nothing to do with him. But Elvis has already connected with Malerie, the pastor's 16-year old daughter. Elvis embarks on the seduction of Malerie, while Dave examines his conscience and comes to a new conclusion. Can anyone get right with the Lord? Does the Lord hear? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
A breakthrough film by young director James Marsh. This film had me hanging on with bated breath just wondering where it was going. I was totally unprepared for the end, which was dynamite! Gael García Bernal (Babel, The Motorcycle Diaries) was understated but powerful as a young man just getting out of the Navy and going to look for his father, a pastor played by William Hurt (A History of Violence). Bernal was the product of a sinful life Hurt led before he "found Jesus." He starts a relationship with his half-sister, Pell James (Broken Flowers). You are wondering the entire time about motivation, danger, incest, pregnancy, and the inevitable end. It is not pretty, and it may be difficult for some to take, but I thought it was brilliant.
It was creepy, but Bernal was outstanding in only his second English-language role.