This wasn't the best film but I have to give some credit to the cast for excellent performances all around (with one exception), and to Eastwood for capturing at least a part of the color and essence from the book. As many have stated the biggest complaint is the film's seeming lack of focus or purpose. The filler is however entertaining as we meet a host of colorful characters that should draw and maintain the viewer's interest... well at least until you discover that the screenwriter and Eastwood have somehow lost their way. Of particular note is Kevin Spacey's performance as the lead character Jim Williams. In addition to nailing his accent, his performance was excellent as an eccentric art dealer, southern gentleman and closet homosexual that is accused of murdering his hustling thug-lover (played by Jude Law). Though I admire Jude Law's other work, regretfully I thought his brief moments on screen here were amateurish, over-acted and well... downright horrid. He paced and posed during his ill-accented rants with all the composure and talent of a jock making a cameo in a high school play. That aside I enjoyed the cast as a whole. As surreal as the setting and characters seemed, their characterizations actually made them believable. I've noted a few criticizing Lady Chablis' excessive use in the film. I agree to a point but I saw her as less comic relief and more a metaphor for the town as a whole. The drag-queen's performance of herself was exceptional with a depth that suggested there was much more to her (and Savannah) than was immediately obvious.
I suppose that was the best attribute I noted of the film, if I'm kind to Eastwood. I'm a southerner and most films based on the the south tend to portray a very one-dimensional view, whether positive or negative... cruel or genteel. Indeed, Savannah in both the book and movie is in a way a caricature of itself. But EVERYONE, every society, has a story that goes beyond the simplistic. At least I noted an attempt to reveal the humanity of the south and depth of its citizens (the good, bad and ugly).
I suppose that was the best attribute I noted of the film, if I'm kind to Eastwood. I'm a southerner and most films based on the the south tend to portray a very one-dimensional view, whether positive or negative... cruel or genteel. Indeed, Savannah in both the book and movie is in a way a caricature of itself. But EVERYONE, every society, has a story that goes beyond the simplistic. At least I noted an attempt to reveal the humanity of the south and depth of its citizens (the good, bad and ugly).