chicagopoetry Review of The Burning Plain

The Burning Plain (2008)

Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger Carry This Drama

[6/10 · 22 January 2010]

It's hard to follow The Burning Plain because it shifts through time without any warning. We don't figure out until mid-film that this character is actually the grown up version of that character and so forth. This is a rather slow drama saved by the acting talents of two professional actresses, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger. I find it pretty weird that I didn't discover until 2010 this film starring these two superstars that was made in 2008. It's a statement about how hard it is for indie movies to get any exposure in this market dominated by big budget blockbusters. The theaters are owned by a monopoly and the little movie simply doesn't have a chance these days. It is sad and it is killing the art of film-making. Jennifer Lawrence is simply astonishingly beautiful which doesn't make watching this movie any less pleasant. We never get a clue about exactly how the White breast cancer survivor gets involved with the Mexican farmer thus putting into play the tragedy that ultimately occurs, and at times the interaction between characters is unrealistic. I mean, really, if a group of white kids came to a Mexican funeral and started shouting "wetback I hope you rot in hell" are we really expected to believe there wouldn't be some conflict following, at least a few nasty words exchanged? But the brooding mood is quite consistent and watching The Burning Plain won't leave you cheated in any way. If you like serious drama, this will be your cup of tea.