American Violence

American Violence, released in 2017, is a spellbinding crime thriller starring Kaiwi Lyman, Bruce Dern, and Denise Richards. This Tim Woodward Jr. directed film explores the depth of human fallibility, the complexities of the penal justice system, and our society's enduring fascination with retribution and violence.

At the heart of the movie is the multi-layered character of Jackson Shea (played by Kaiwi Lyman), a death row inmate with a past as murky as the motives that led him to his current predicament. Lyman's portrayal of Shea, a man riddled with darkness yet carrying an undercurrent of empathy, is both riveting and thought-provoking. He effectively illustrates a complex character study of a man who has fallen prey to his violent tendencies.

Opposite Shea is Dr. Amanda Tyler (Denise Richards), a scholar with an unwavering faith in scientific methodology and an objective view of the human psyche. Asked to interview Shea as part of an assessment filing before his execution, Dr. Tyler delves into his life story, hoping to unearth the underlying factors that influenced his path of violence. Richards perfectly encapsulates the strength and moral conflicts of Dr. Tyler and presents an unwavering image of a woman dedicated to her profession in the harshest of circumstances.

American Violence introduces us to a set of deeply flawed, complex and intertwined characters, further brought to life by Bruce Dern as the prison warden. Dern adds gravitas to the script with his powerful portrayal of a character dealing with the dark realities of the death penalty and working within an inherently brutal system.

The film is not just about its characters, their stories, and their struggles. It is also about the questions it raises. Is a man born with violent tendencies or are they a result of his circumstances? Can violence be justified under any circumstances? Is the death penalty a reliable form of punishment or just another act of brutality? The movie bravely challenges the stereotypical notions we have regarding crime and punishment and brings our reality's stark reflections at the forefront.

American Violence explores the inexorable link between psychological trauma, socio-economic circumstances, and the genesis of criminal behavior. It delves into these themes with a nuanced understanding that forsakes oversimplification, dealing with such heavy subject matter with a delicate, morally ambiguous touch that will leave audiences pondering long after the final scene.

In terms of technical aspects, the film’s commendable cinematography and crisp editing styles add another layer of intensity. The color palette used by cinematographer Pablo Diez creates a gritty atmosphere that perfectly complements the film's dark theme. The editing by Ned Thorne and the director Tim Woodward Jr. himself is sharp and maintains the suspense throughout, with every single frame revealing a hidden facet of the narrative.

The film’s powerful script, penned by Al Lamanda, ties everything together. It effectively interweaves the narratives of multiple characters while maintaining a high suspense arc that keeps the audience captivated until the very end.

Moreover, the remarkable performances from the supporting cast add depth and authenticity to the movie. Rob Gronkowski, Michael John Long Jr., Christopher Rob Bowen, Johnny Messner, and other minor characters contribute significantly to the film's overall impact with their compelling performances.

American Violence is an engrossing film that operates on multiple levels - as a thrilling narrative, a character study, and a critical examination of societal norms and the judicial system. It's a movie filled with authentic performances, thought-provoking themes, and intense drama that is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seats, questioning their understanding of justice, the nature of violence, and the ethicality of capital punishment.