OLD BUT GOOD
THE PLEDGE (2001)
Before he became a narcissistic asshole, there was a time when Sean Penn was not only one of the best actors of his generation but also showed potential as one of the most intriguing directors of the 1990s and early 2000s. It started in 1991 with The Indian Runner, followed through to the Jack Nicholson-starring crime thriller The Crossing Guard in 1995 and ended with the Nicholson-driven The Pledge in 2001.
Yes, there would be 2007’s Oscar-nominated Into the Wild, but perhaps nowhere was Penn’s directorial potential better reflected than in The Pledge — a slowburning, psychologically intense crime procedural focusing on Nicholson’s retiring detective Jerry Black who, on the last day of his service, is called to investigate the murder of a young girl, and makes a pledge to her mother that he will do whatever it takes to solve the crime.
It’s a subtle, engrossingly downplayed tale of one man’s commitment to his promise, and though the story takes several years to unfold, it’s anchored by a powerhouse performance from Nicholson and a moving supporting act by Penn’s then-wife Robin Wright and an effective cameo by Benicio del Toro. Breathtakingly shot by legendary cinematographer Chris Menges — it’s a mystery story that’s less about the mystery than its effect on its protagonist. It’s commendable for the very real and human way in which Penn allows his characters room to breathe and explore their own psychological pressures against the backdrop of the intrigue of the story.
The final scene of Nicholson alone and still steadfastly committed to his promise to the child’s mother is one of the most heartbreaking and true in recent American cinema. Nicholson’s performance is a subtle reminder of his status as one of the great actors of his age, foregoing the histrionics for which he would receive accolades in films such as Martin Scorsese’s horribly overrated Hong Kong action remake The Departed. Penn’s deft touch shows an affinity and understanding for actors not matched by many directors since.
The Pledge is a small, beautifully and authentically crafted piece of modern American cinema that stands the test of time.
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LThe Pledge is available on Netflix.