Evidence of Blood is a B-movie mystery that aims low-middle and hits pretty squarely. The only real reason to watch this film is for the charming and attractive David Strathairn and Mary McDonnell, who mostly do what they usually do (dazzle us with their raw physicality).
Set in wintry Georgia, with southern accents that come and go, this is a land of jeans, diner coffee and pick-up trucks. Crime novelist Kinley (David Strathairn) returns to his hometown after the death of his childhood friend. While there, he uncovers fresh evidence on a 40-year-old murder mystery that still haunts the town to this day. The convicted murderer's adult daughter, Dora (Mary McDonnell), is also busy with bringing her deceased father to justice.
There are some of the usual noir trappings - mysterious car headlights following the hero at night, explorations down wells (also at night), nightmares and lots of sexy sweating into bedsheets, the parallel between serial killers and the crime fighters and their perverse obsession with violent acts, and lots of people going, "Just let it go, ya hear!"
But this is like Diet Mystery, and even the southernness is lightly done. At least, David Strathairn can't seem to decide whether to do the accent or not. Whatevs! That's OK! He and Mary McDonnell are so lovable regardless of what they do or how hard they try. They have a nice chemistry as well, what with Mary McDonnell's Laura Roslin-style searching stares of warmth and goodness coupled with David Strathairn's Jumpin' Joe-style evasiveness. Nice "jelly roll", guys. PPCCkapow!
1 comment:
It's true that this is no Inspector Morse or Lewis, but being a southerner, I loved the attempt at capturing the south of several decades ago. Thoroughly enjoyed this movie for what it is. Ironically, it was filmed in Canada, not in Georgia or Alabama, but still ...
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