Dull, pointless film that grows increasingly out-of-control due to Miller's contrived script. Day-Lewis turns in his usual brooding performance that somehow passes for genius.
The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:107
Fresh:49
Rotten:58
Average Rating:5.6/10
Consensus: Heavy on the symbolism and overly contrived.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language, sexual content and some drug material
Runtime: 1 hr 52 mins
Genre: Dramas
Theatrical Release:Mar 25, 2005 Limited
Box Office: $578,570
Synopsis: Writer-director Rebecca Miller's third film (following ANGELA and PERSONAL VELOCITY) is a powerful, poignant drama about a father and daughter living on their own on the outskirts of nowhere, just... Writer-director Rebecca Miller's third film (following ANGELA and PERSONAL VELOCITY) is a powerful, poignant drama about a father and daughter living on their own on the outskirts of nowhere, just as developers are starting to move in. Daniel Day-Lewis (Miller's husband) stars as Jack Slavin, a 1960s holdover who is a man of the earth, working the land and defending his territory while eschewing such modernities as television. Jack is devoted to his daughter, Rose (Camilla Belle), a 16-year-old girl who is equally as devoted to him. But Jack is sick, so he asks his girlfriend, Kathleen (Catherine Keener), along with her two sons, Rodney (Ryan McDonald) and Thaddius (Paul Dano), to come from the mainland and move in with them, thinking they can be Rose's family once he dies. But Rose begins to act out in dangerous ways, threatening to severely damage the already fragile relationships that are developing. Day-Lewis gives a shattering, emotional performance as Jack, and he is matched well with Belle, who seems wise beyond her years. Filmed on location on Prince Edward Island, THE BALLAD OF JACK AND ROSE is a harrowing, intimate film set in a beautiful, lush land. This film screened at the 2005 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas. [More]
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Camilla Belle, Catherine Keener, Paul Dano
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Camilla Belle, Catherine Keener, Paul Dano, Jena Malone, Beau Bridges, Jason Lee, Susanna Thompson, Ryan McDonald
Director: Rebecca Miller
Director: Rebecca Miller
Screenwriter: Rebecca Miller
Producer: Lemore Syvan, Jonathan Sehring, Caroline Kaplan
Composer: Michael Rohatyn
Studio: IFC Films
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Reviews for The Ballad of Jack and Rose
Director Rebecca Miller's latest is obvious, heavy-handed and muddled. Still, this examination of a father-daughter relationship, with a side of pudding-headed politics, isn't without merit.
The premise here has terrific potential, and I felt affection for all the characters.
The performances may ultimately not be able to conquer the overpowering artiness of Miller's approach, but they do manage to render it somewhat less airless.
Performances are exceptional in this melodramatic film from the daughter of Arthur Miller.
The Ballad of Jack and Rose, like the community it elucidates, is not perfect. Like the people who try so desperately to make the most of the world in which they live, it is full of flaws, inconsistencies, and shortcomings.
Its inscrutability and standoffishness make The Ballad of Jack & Rose more boring than watching someone else knit.
Like a trip to visit the fascinating relatives you spend the other 364 days of the year pretending you're not related to...
As an investigation of disturbing behavior, the film is near perfect. As a dramatic creation, Miller’s inventive filmmaking skills have failed her.
It's somehow out of sync with its own rhythms and moods, thus its impact is much slighter than might be expected from an idea approached with intelligence and insight by Rebecca Miller and conveyed by as talented a clutch of actors.
It is the harbinger of great films to come from an exceptional screenwriter and director.
Cinematic flourishes intoxicate until the hangover of retrospect sets in, and you recognize the unhealthiness of the filial relationship this scene has celebrated.
Latest News for The Ballad of Jack and Rose
February 07, 2008:
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee Adds Four Famous Faces
Rebecca Miller's follow-up to The Ballad of Jack and Rose is rapidly becoming something of an all-star production. More...
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