Movie review – “Black Snake Moan” (2006) ***

The sort of movie with a central concept so outrageous you can’t imagine it being made in the 80s or 90s; maybe the 70s, when anything went. A black man who chains up a white nympho in order to teach her a lesson and it works. Cripes, imagine getting that past the AFC. Anyway, wouldn’t you know it, but it works – at first anyway. The Southern atmosphere is rich, the dialogue flowing, and there are two electrifying performances from Christina Ricci and Samuel L Jackson (who displays an unexpected string to his bow by singing very well). The whole concept is nutty but Craig Brewer pulls it off – maybe it was a bit rough Jackson didn’t seek medical help from Ricci before he knows she’s out of the woods (I get the chaining her up bit but she’s very sick at first and he’s not a doctor). After a while though the film runs out of ideas and bravery – it’s just Ricci hanging out with Sam, and an overlong scene playing blues. When Justin Timberlake (surprisingly good) comes back you think fireworks are going to erupt but they don’t, really. Still, you’ve got to admit – it keeps you guessing all the way up til the end.