Savage Grace
Dir: Tom Kalin
2007
***
An accomplished film based on an unpleasant crime. Tom Kalin's direction is stylish and sophisticated and each decade and location is painted with detail and distinction. The performances are strong, Julianne Moore boldly brings the unlikable Barbara Baekeland to life in a daring career move that I really do admire, especially as I'm not a big fan of hers. There are a few things that bother me though - Sam Green has come forward since the film was made and has rejected his portrayal and has taken legal action for slander regarding a scene in which he is seen to have a threesome with mother and son. I can't help but believe him as his letters written at the time suggest a totally different account but he doesn't help himself from name dropping every other line in his letter of innocence posted in the Mail in 2008. It's a dangerous game when you start implementing people, whether they are dead or still alive, especially when it is profit driven in the name of telling the truth. Apart from that, it is a very well made film but it's hard to like such an unpleasant story.