Oddball drama about a troubled sheriff in snowy northern New Hampshire
Shot in the winter of 1997, this is a psychological drama with some mystery, suspense and thrills, similar to "A Simple Plan," which was shot the next winter. While that film deals with corruption via the temptation of easy wealth, this one involves the corruption of sons (Nick Nolte and Willem Dafoe) by the sins of the father (James Coburn). Both movies are worth seeing, but "A Simple Plan" is all-around more coherent and effective.
This is more ambiguous, respecting the intelligence of the viewer to put the pieces together. It's a study of a likable man's downward spiral with constant hints as to what led to it, not to mention his misguided attempt to redeem himself. Like "The Spitfire Grill" from a year or two earlier, the events take place in a small New England town, and you get to know the denizens as they're fleshed out, including the girlfriend played by Sissy Spacek. The difference is the wintry milieu and the lack of any sense of salvation.
I've heard people describe it as dark, haunting and even scary (the dad), but there's also a glaring element of amusement with these people being parodied by director Paul Schrader. Take the Christian relatives (speaking as a believer) and the various fights. I busted out laughing several times.
It runs 1h 53m and was shot in several spots south, west or east of Montreal in Quebec.
GRADE: B
