The 2012 movie The Paperboy is writer/director Lee Daniels follow-up to Precious, which won Mo'Nique an Oscar in 2010 for supporting actress. I didn't care that much for Precious and didn't know that this movie was directed by Daniels until it was over. I liked The Paperboy for its focus on style and shock rather than story. This film is about the method and the journey rather than the destination. I admire Daniels for the movie he made. There were startling performances by Nicole Kidman and Matthew McConaughey. I was creeped out by John Cusack and pleasantly surprised by both late-90s pop star Macy Gray and Zack Efron, who apparently is some teen star.
This movie has a great vintage look, with washed out tones and grainy video quality. The soundtrack and wardrobe added to the overall grindhouse feel. I purposely didn't read any reviews of this before I saw it, but I do recall a lot of buzz about how terrible this film is. I don't necessarily agree. I didn't love it and wouldn't recommend it to people who aren't all that interested in exploitation or pulpy films. This is a movie centered around sex, racism, violence, a young man's first love and the bond between brothers (oh yeah, and alligators) A lot of it seems unnecessary and disconnected, but I found myself engaged throughout the whole movie. Daniels wrote the screenplay with Pete Dexter, whose novel was the basis for the film.
Two particularly memorable scenes by Kidman will polarize audiences, one which involves urinating on someone to cure jellyfish stings and the other which utilizes magical mid-air heat conduction in a prison interrogation room.
If nothing else, Seinfeld fans, see this movie for two amazing cameos by bit characters from the greatest tv sitcom of all time.
The Paperboy is currently streaming on Netflix. It's a filthy little romp through the South Florida swamps totally worth taking.
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