Jesus' Son
A young man's circuitous journey from drug dependency and petty crime to a life redeemed by his startling discovery of compassion is set in the drug subculture of the 1970's, and its protagonist - a young man in his twenties (Billy Crudup) - careens through his days getting stoned, stealing, or scamming a quick buck. Through it all, he tries to make sense of the mutually destructive passion he shares with a beautiful woman named Michelle (Samantha Morton).
Member Reviews
Crudup was captivating but lack direction - ultygirl
It was fun to watch FH (I attribute this to Crudup) be in a sort of perpetual bliss or suspended reality but not given the heavy price tag of having to witness the people around him bottom out - even the Amish woman eventually yields to his voyeurism. The level of disconnection of his character can’t be explained away by the 70s drug scene alone and maybe the ending was trying to suggest he might be slowly becoming aware that he suffers from some sort of personality disorder.
Anyway, I can’t recommend this movie, it does not have a strong enough direction (just like the main character) to warrant the investment of time especially when you have to bear witness to some really painful lows that might’ve been avoided had FH been just slightly more self-aware (although it’s unclear if this is even possible!).
To note, there are many other familiar performances of well-known Hollywood actors - Jack Black (hilarious), Holly Hunter, Denis Leary, etc. in this movie.Singing It's Praises - Piknik
A unique, sensitive, and creative approach to the story of FH. The acting was all-round brilliant, due to a stellar cast. Jack Black was hilarious as a pill-popping hospital orderly, and Dennis Hopper was uncharacteristically understated. And, Billy Crudup has the most innocent & open expression, which was perfect for his character's good but lost nature. I'll certainly be looking into more films that feature him. Despite it being a movie about drugs and the drug culture of the 1970's, it is done in a completely contemporary way. The back and forth story telling devices, which are often annoying, actually work in this film. Same with the little fantasy scenes that are scattered through the second half. Kudos to the director!Uplifting confusion - Devon
As random and bewildering as Jesus' Son gets, it leaves you on a high note as it concludes. The problem isn't with the conclusion, it's with the bulk of the story. Basically it's a series of events that lead you nowhere. A journey of self-discovery that exists within the mind of the main character that leads him around in circles.
Some of the computer effects were nicely executed. They mesh together elements of a dream world fantasy into aspects of the real world. Perhaps these are scenes where the viewer is allowed into the main character's mind, but the results fall short of the visual effects.
In the end Jesus' Son is one of those movies that really made no difference after I finsihed watching it. I would have better spent my time doing laundry because at least I would have accomplished something.
Member Reviews
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Crudup was captivating but lack direction - ultygirl
It was fun to watch FH (I attribute this to Crudup) be in a sort of perpetual bliss or suspended reality but not given the heavy price tag of having to witness the people around him bottom out - even the Amish woman eventually yields to his voyeurism. The ...Singing It's Praises - Piknik
A unique, sensitive, and creative approach to the story of FH. The acting was all-round brilliant, due to a stellar cast. Jack Black was hilarious as a pill-popping hospital orderly, and Dennis Hopper was uncharacteristically understated. And, Billy Crudup ...Uplifting confusion - Devon
As random and bewildering as Jesus' Son gets, it leaves you on a high note as it concludes. The problem isn't with the conclusion, it's with the bulk of the story. Basically it's a series of events that lead you nowhere. A journey of self-discovery that exists ...