People are either stones or leaves. When a stone hits the water it makes a splash, causes ripples and then rests on the bottom. But when a leaf lands on the water it becomes the mistress of the current, sucked in by eddies, cascading over falls, caught up in rapids or floating endlessly in still water waiting for something to change its course. Such is the life of Jolene.
Based on a short story by E.L. Doctorow, Jolene tells the story of a young orphaned girl who marries a boy at the age of 16 to escape from the abuse of a series of foster homes. Resented by her in-laws, Jolene is then seduced by Uncle Phil, Dermont Mulroney (Flash of Genius) and begins the first of many affairs. Jolene does not initiate these affairs, but rather she accepts them. Any sign of resistance is quickly replaced by the desire to be protected and loved.
It takes a long time for Jolene to see that anyone who would take advantage of a young naïve girl is not in it for her. It is her beauty and openness that brings out the predators. Her guileless nature makes her easy prey. The only thing that Jolene really owns is her talent for drawing and her ability to see beauty wherever she goes. Jolene is a survivor.
Throughout this melodramatic tale Jolene encounters Frances Fisher, Rupert Friend, Chazz Palminteri, and Michael Vartan. Each one of these users plucks a petal off the rose, but Jolene is not without self-esteem. She knows that she can draw and her passion for art is what keeps her going. Despite her circumstances she keeps moving forward looking for love and a place to belong.
Newcomer Jessica Chastain plays Jolene and it is easy to see why she was cast. This beautiful young actress must age from 15 to 25 and still be able to portray a certain amount of hope and trust even after being abused time after time. Unfortunately Jessica is the victim of a heavy-handed script that takes her from one situation to the next without any real subtext or personal growth. But then Jolene is like a leaf floating along the river of life going wherever the current takes her. Hopefully Jessica Chastain is more like a stone making a big splash in Hollywood and causing ripples throughout the industry. Inly time will tell.
Rating: Bargain Matinee A regular soap opera
About Me
- Melanie Wilson
- My Reviewer's Philosophy: I believe that every film has its audience. One man’s Citizen Kane is another man’s Texas Chain Saw Massacre. My purpose is to help you spend your entertainment dollars wisely. A bad review never kept me from going to a film I wanted to see, but a good review will sometimes get me to a film I never considered. As a movie lover I want you to go to the movies. When more people go to the movies, the more movies get made. But, I also believe that if you enjoy the films you see, you naturally will be inclined to go more often. So join me in supporting our film industry by going to a movie today. Hopefully I can steer you towards a good one. See you at the movies. Melanie Wilson
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