Trade in the hip-hop microphone for a blues guitar. Keep the dirty Southern flavor, and while you're at it, add a dose of nymphomania.
That's writer/director Craig Brewer's recipe for "Black Snake Moan," the Memphis filmmaker's first go-round since he won at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005 for his breakthrough hit, "Hustle & Flow."
Samuel L. Jackson ("Snakes on a Plane") stars as Lazarus, the humble, God-fearing bluesman who happens to bump into Rae (Christina Ricci, "Monster"), the untamed sex-addict who needs some curing whether she likes it or not.
With his latest work, Brewer reinstalls the gears that made "Hustle & Flow" grind. Once again, the cinema-from-the-seventies block yellow opening credits flash and, once again, a tiny blonde is tossed around by a precarious male who, believe it or not, has good intentions.
Tangy dialogue and a stripped-down storyline allow the young filmmaker's style to blossom with his second effort.
As for Jackson, his style was established years ago, and in "Moan" he really nails the role. Through subtle body language and priceless delivery, he gets his point across with minimal effort.
During filming, he actually spent six to seven hours a day practicing guitar and vocals to build his skills for the film's musical sequences that heat up both the soundtrack and the screen.
The real showstopper, however, is Ricci's big beautiful eyes, dirty blonde hair and a body that won't quit. The all-grown-up actress keeps audiences' peepers glued to the screen with her intense yet playful showing as a Southern wild child. After years of oddly fascinating performances in countless under-the-radar films, this young veteran proves she has all the skills needed to bring a difficult and dynamic character to life with vibrant enthusiasm.
In a film where chemistry is so important, Jackson and Ricci meet the requirement. The sentiments between the two shift from callous to cushy in the blink of an eye, keeping their on-screen relationship consistently entertaining.
Whether it's Rae's bruised body or her gaunt physique, the director uses diminutive details to add depth to his characters and story. In order to maintain her character's malnourished frame, Ricci ate nothing but junk food during filming, yielding a character that can simultaneously disturb and seduce.
Co-star Justin Timberlake plays Rae's boyfriend Ronnie - he's off to do a tour of duty with the military, although he should probably be in therapy for some issues of his own.
It doesn't take long to realize that Timberlake's acting skills are far inferior to his musical talents. Unfortunately, his sullen emotions never fully convince.
Although Timberlake lacks a great deal of screen time, he certainly does not contribute much to the film when he's given the opportunity.
S. Epatha Merkerson ("Law & Order") supports the cast as Angela, a drug store clerk who's hot for Lazarus. With the sexual content level already through the roof, Merkerson's quiet charm on the outskirts of the bigger picture provides just the right amount of good-natured comic relief.
While "Black Snake Moan" is far lighter than "Hustle & Flow" (no pregnant prostitutes are kicked to the curb), the film still packs plenty of moral punch. Charged by the ongoing theme of struggle, "Moan" manages to incorporate prods of race and morality to the theme template without getting too serious. Beneath the straightforward surface is some well-used symbolism for those willing to dig slightly deeper.
The stylish maturity Brewer continues to show places him on the cusp of a potentially long and highly celebrated career. All he needs now is a little versatility and he'll be well on his way.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
