MOVIE REVIEW
TENDERNESS
Capturing the opposite meaning of its title, Tenderness sees Australian director John Polson's skills develop. Known for the quirky comedy Siam Sunset before heading to Hollywood to helm two mediocre but successful thrillers, he seems to relish crafting the story's risky narrative. Somewhat hit and miss in its final outcome, Tenderness reveals a film-maker keen in shaking the established pattern of the American movie machine.
Released from prison after killing his girlfriend and parents, Eric 
Poole (Jon Foster) welcomes the chance at redemption. Troubled teenager Lori (Sophie Traub) makes this difficult with her infatuation of his crimes leading to her forced integration into his life. Disturbed by her constant references to his deeds, his mind is further strained by the presence of Cristofuoro (Russell Crowe), a retired cop convinced Poole will strike again. Driving cross country to escape their demons, the trio learn that death's shadowy embrace can never be erased from their tortured thoughts.
Tenderness' tricky subject matter makes a great virtue of unhealthy obsession. All leading rather sad and empty lives, the character's fixation on Poole's felonies provide a strange escape. As his wife lays in a
coma, Cristofuono's relentless pursuit of Eric briefly expunges feelings of guilt of his wife's condition. Lori's desire to feel the hands of a killer also feeds into Eric's delicate mindset desperately attempting to banish memories of his actions. In an odd way the person you feel the most sympathy for is Eric whose efforts at establishing a normal life are constantly threatened by the other's selfish actions.
These elements are articulated reasonably by Polson in spite of its generally alienating atmosphere. This ambience occasionally threatens to come apart by a disjointed screenplay heavily reliant on coincidences. When the story starts to become gripping, it goes off in another less interesting direction with the actors seemingly as confused as the muddle narrative. Generally the main leads manage to shine more often than not, with Crowe, Traub and especially Poole providing very strong performances as damaged personalities.
The pleasure in observing a director expand his range is in the way they handle new material. Whilst not without fault, Tenderness shows Polson's capacity in adding some freshness to an old formula arguers well for more opportunities to think outside of the celluloid square.
Movie Review Rating 6 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Tenderness released in Australia on Thursday 30 April 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Tenderness
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
Poole (Jon Foster) welcomes the chance at redemption. Troubled teenager Lori (Sophie Traub) makes this difficult with her infatuation of his crimes leading to her forced integration into his life. Disturbed by her constant references to his deeds, his mind is further strained by the presence of Cristofuoro (Russell Crowe), a retired cop convinced Poole will strike again. Driving cross country to escape their demons, the trio learn that death's shadowy embrace can never be erased from their tortured thoughts.
Tenderness' tricky subject matter makes a great virtue of unhealthy obsession. All leading rather sad and empty lives, the character's fixation on Poole's felonies provide a strange escape. As his wife lays in a
coma, Cristofuono's relentless pursuit of Eric briefly expunges feelings of guilt of his wife's condition. Lori's desire to feel the hands of a killer also feeds into Eric's delicate mindset desperately attempting to banish memories of his actions. In an odd way the person you feel the most sympathy for is Eric whose efforts at establishing a normal life are constantly threatened by the other's selfish actions.
These elements are articulated reasonably by Polson in spite of its generally alienating atmosphere. This ambience occasionally threatens to come apart by a disjointed screenplay heavily reliant on coincidences. When the story starts to become gripping, it goes off in another less interesting direction with the actors seemingly as confused as the muddle narrative. Generally the main leads manage to shine more often than not, with Crowe, Traub and especially Poole providing very strong performances as damaged personalities.
The pleasure in observing a director expand his range is in the way they handle new material. Whilst not without fault, Tenderness shows Polson's capacity in adding some freshness to an old formula arguers well for more opportunities to think outside of the celluloid square.
Movie Review Rating 6 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Tenderness released in Australia on Thursday 30 April 2009.
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Tenderness
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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