Affliction

No one can claim that Paul Schrader has a light take on life. In both the films that he has directed as well as those for which he has written the screenplay, there is a pervading pessimism that transforms even a seemingly happy ending, into jarring dissonance.
Consider films like ”Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Hardcore, The Comfort of Strangers” and ”Light Sleeper;” they do not seem to have come from a man overflowing with optimism - even though he claims in his interviews that he doesn't see how he could possibly be considered pessimistic.
In most of his films, Schrader has grappled with the topic of violence in America, and, in a variety of ways, has depicted it's origins and the effect it has, particularly on those involved. This theme is dealt with in ”Affliction,” as well. Wade, played by Nick Nolte, lives out in the sticks. He is divorced and seldom sees his daughter. He has a job as a part-time local policeman, but his main concern is getting the day to go by without something screwing up. He is seldom successful in this pursuit.
It is only when the local union boss, Twombley, is found dead that life takes on any meaning for Wade. As he starts to investigate, his life spirit returns. Or does it? Does the investigation help Wade regain his balance, or does it, in fact, make his fall that much more abrupt and steep. Putting Nolte in the lead was a good move. Few actors are as forceful as he is, especially in roles where from one moment to the next he has to go from absolute calm to uncontrolled rage, which he gets a few chances to do in Affliction.
Overall Schrader has, true to his form, found a whole list of excellent actors for his cast. James Coburn and Willem Dafoe play Wade's relatives, and Sissy Spacek a woman he almost pushes away unintentionally.
Despite the murder drama, ”Affliction ”is not a thriller. It is a heavy and charged drama, a new and interesting addition to Paul Schrader's prodigious filmography, that once again has it's finger on the pulse of violence in America.
Gunnar Rehlin

Premiärstatus
Nordisk premiär: Medverkande
Nick Nolte, Willem Dafoe, Sissy Spacek, James Coburn: Producent
Linda Reisman: Manus
Paul Schrader: Foto
Paul Sarossy: Musik
Michael Brook