Red State is not your typical Kevin Smith movie, as Neil Martin discovers:
Something strange has happened to Kevin Smith. His past as a purveyor of
foul-mouthed slacker comedies does not prepare the audience in any way for
what unfolds in this difficult, brutal and uncompromising film.
It starts simply enough as what seems like another teen horror movie
when three horny teenage boys head off to meet a mysterious woman for sex
after contacting her through the internet. Things take a turn for the worse
when the trio then find themselves at the mercy of a Westboro Baptist Church-style right wing fundamentalist Christian group and are imprisoned in their
fortified compound. Michael Parks is terrifying as Abin Cooper, the hate fuelled bigot and
leader of the 5 Points Church. There is something worryingly
believable in his conviction and faith that makes us all too aware of the real
power that charismatic “men of god” can have over their flock.
After briefly flirting with the promise of some Hostel style torture porn, the film
changes tack again as the authorities become involved and a Waco-esque
siege situation develops. It is here that the film really comes into its own as a
bold and daring piece of cinema. John Goodman (on blistering form) plays
grizzled ATF agent, Joseph Keenan, who is forced to deal with some very
difficult orders that throw a harsh spotlight on the American government’s
approach to homeland security and the controversial Patriot Act.
Visually, Smith also shows a hitherto unseen stylistic vision. His camera is a
restless, prowling and invasive presence, at times uncomfortably close to its
subjects. There were moments when I found myself wondering if this was not directed by some
other Kevin Smith, such is the stylistic and thematic shift in this impressive
work.
Red State poses some very difficult questions about faith, government and
modern American society in general and offers no easy answers. The final
third of the film will leave you reeling and wondering who you are supposed to
be rooting for. This is fierce, angry and questioning cinema of the kind that no
one expected Kevin Smith capable of making. It’s not perfect and it’s certainly
not fun but it’s an essential piece of cinema that is guaranteed to polarise
audiences.
Review by Neil Martin