Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter, Kirsten Dunst
Director: Ed Solomon
Producers: Richard N. Gladstein, Adam Merims
Screenplay: Ed Solomon
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Music: Mark Oliver Everett
U.S. Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Undoubtedly, there are many criminals who leave prison possessing much the same remorseless mindset with which they entered. It's for that reason alone that the political debate will probably never die over whether a term in jail is meant primarily as a means of punishment or rehabilitation. Levity, the directorial debut of screenwriter Ed Solomon (whose credits include the Bill and Ted's movies, Men in Black, and Charlie's Angels), focuses upon a man whose release from prison finds him a truly changed man. His sole goal in life has become redemption.
In actuality, it wasn't jail that changed Manuel Jordan (Billy Bob Thornton). His metamorphosis occurred the moment he pulled the trigger during a convenience store robbery. The shot he fired not only ended his victim's life, but, in a sense, his own as well. 23 years behind bars have allowed him to ruminate upon his crime, and, when his life sentence is unexpectedly commuted to time served, he emerges determined to find some way to make a positive difference. He is aware that he can never undo what was done - Abner Easely will remain dead – but he wants to find some way of salving his spiritual wound. And, since he claims not to believe in God, he must do it through terrestrial means.
As he wanders through the shady areas of Chicago, Manuel encounters three individuals who will be key participants in his quest for salvation. They are Miles Evans (Morgan Freeman), a no-nonsense minister who has an unconventional way of exposing youths to the scriptures; Sofia Mellinger (Kirsten Dunst), a young woman so disillusioned with life that she would rather drink herself into oblivion than remain awake; and Adele Easely (Holly Hunter), the now-adult sister of the man he killed. Manuel has come to seek redemption through helping Adele, but he becomes involved with Miles and Sofia, as well.
Levity is a thoughtful, almost poetic, piece that puts forth the argument that redemption is not easily achieved. The film is decidedly spiritual in nature, although it concentrates more on a karma-like approach to existence than on traditional Judeo-Christian dogma. By the end of the film, it is possible to argue that Manuel's actions have allowed him to pay off his debt, at least in a metaphysical sense, but his conscience argues that even if he continues helping others for the rest of his life, the stain will never be removed. It's possible to see the title as ironic or inappropriate, but another interpretation argues that it refers to the lessening of a spiritual burden, which is Manuel's single-minded obsession.
Since Levity is not heavily plot-centered, it relies upon solid performances to delineate the characters. At the center is a low-key, brooding Billy Bob Thornton, who is as good here as in Monsters' Ball. The psychic wound is different, but the resulting personality is similar. Holly Hunter turns in another fine performance as Adele, a strong woman struggling with problems that may or may not have their roots in her brother's depth. Morgan Freeman and Kirsten Dunst are somewhat underused, but they capture our attention during those moments when they are on screen.
The film has a singular look due primarily to the cinematography of veteran Roger Deakins. His work behind the camera emphasizes the turmoil within the characters. If there's a surprise associated with Levity, however, it's that writer/director Solomon is capable of such a sublime motion picture. His resume prior to this outing gives no indication that he has the ability or interest to craft this kind of effort. With Levity, there is no doubt that Solomon has opened some eyes, and perhaps some doors, as well.
© 2003 James Berardinelli