I had to pause this movie and walk away many times. Not out of distaste or lack of interest, but because the acting, location, tone, and cinematography were all so realistic, in a sense, hyper-realistic. Stephen Dorff, whom I've seen go from cheesy to one of the best actors working, embodies Melvin, the every man, down on his luck, used to blaming the world, drugs, alcohol, women, never satisfying his electric (literally) impulses, plays against the equally surprising Eddie Griffin. Both of these characters set in the larger character of post Katrina New Orleans, engage us at every turn, with their non-consequential dialog, pedestrian philosophizing , and deep pain. I don't even care what this movie was about, just watching it was extraordinary.
Review of American Hero
