more images: 1, 2, 3, 4

Set in Harmony, Ala., during Jim Crow, John Sayles' latest project is less a conventional film than a bluesy collaboration - slow-moving, contemplative, wily and laced through with cultural nuances. About to lose his Honeydripper Lounge to moneylenders (including Vondie Curtis Hall), Tyrone Purvis (Danny Glover) stumbles on a savior of sorts, itinerant guitarist Sonny Blake (Gary Clark, Jr.). The film includes lots of local intrigues and political layers. While Charles Dutton as Maceo, Tyrone's best friend, helps to make this central relationship especially sharp, the familiar types also take on new dimensions. Smart performances are put in by everyone from a cracker sheriff (Stacy Keach) and frustrated white lady (Mary Steenburgen) to Tyrone's pure-of-heart daughter China Doll (Yaya DaCosta) and the passionate preacher (Albert Hall). Amid the emotional details, the film also offers up a musical trajectory, from blues to rock, that serves as additional allegory: Times change and troubles stay the same.  —Cindy Fuchs

Comments

Official Site: www.emergingpictures.com/honeydripper.htm

Rating:	PG-13
Director:	John Sayles
Cast:	Danny Glover, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Yaya DaCosta, Charles S. Dutton, Vondie Curtis Hall, Gary Clark, Jr., Dr. Mable John, Stacy Keach, Nagee Clay, Absalom Adams
Release Date:	December 28, 2007 (NY/LA)
Running Time:	123
Distributor:	Emerging Pictures
Producer:	John Sayles, Maggie Renzi
Genre:	Drama
Advisory:	for brief violence and some suggestive material

All reader comments are subject to our Terms of Use. By clicking Post Comment, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to these Terms.

Name	please enter your name
Email (will not be published)	please enter a valid email
URL	please enter a valid url
Comment	please enter a comment
Enter the security code on the right in the textbox below.
Security Code	please enter the code
	Join the City Paper Mailing List