FilmReviews

Published on September 13, 2007

Bug

Cast: Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr

Director: William Friedkin

Running time: 102 minutes

Hanuman rating: ****

Adapted for the screen from the stage play, "Bug" is a scary suspense thriller that brings out the best in its leading players, Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon.

Judd, who has made plenty of commercial, crowd-pleasing flicks, takes a gamble here.

She's legendary director William Friedkin's main character, a lonely waitress who allows her affections for a mentally unstable man (Shannon) to overtake reason and better judgement.

Much of the film occurs in her small room, where Friedkin takes the audience on Judd's self-induced descent into madness.

Critics are split on the movie, but even those who dislike it are strongly impacted by Friedkin's signature intensity.

From "The French Connection" to "The Exorcist", his work is anything but tame and mainstream.

His last movie, "The Hunted" in 2003, was largely panned, but in retrospect - and given the powerful soundtrack by Johnny Cash - the depth of the film has become better appreciated.

Likewise, "Bug" may initially make viewers uncomfortable, but the stirring performances and strong dialogue will definitely wake up even the most seasoned movie buff. This is not something you've frequently seen before.

And like "Rules of Engagement", which Friedkin made in 2000, the strongest punch in a film need not be the stunts and explosions - it comes from the heart and soul of the players.

Samuel L Jackson and Tommy Lee Jones shone in those movies because Friedkin draws the power of his films from the characters. "Bug" is not much different: The stars withdraw into their demented world, and what's scary is how easy one can get there.

Because of the content, children and people with limited command of English should stay away. But for those who are hungry for a strong, richly acted and written feature, look no further.

by hanuman