Affliction (1997) - R 2½ Stars

Althogh the movie has a lot of great acting in it, it was a less than average to me over all.

Everyone seems to have something bothering them in this small New England town. Sheriff Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte) is a alcoholic man troubled by his past with an abusive father, Glen Whitehouse (James Coburn). Margie Fogg (Sissy Spacek) is Wade's girlfriend and seems to be the only one able to get through to him. Both Wade's ex-wife and daughter are scared of his very presence.

When Wade is called to investigate a hunting accident, he takes a passionate look at all angles for foul play. He consumes himself with the investigation to keep from dealing with his own pain. His brother Rolfe (Willem Dafoe), comes to town after their mother dies. Rolfe seems to have not been afflicted by their father's abuse but once around him again, it starts to affect him.

Lions Gate Films
Director: Paul Schrader
Writer: Paul Schrader
Producer: Linda Reisman

I viewed 10/07