Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) is a mentally handicapped man just released from the state mental hospital. Karl had murdered his mother and her lover as a boy, and had been placed in the hospital ever since. Twenty or so years later, he has served his time and is ready to be sent back into the world. Upon his release Karl meets a young boy named Frank (a very young Lucas Black), and the unlikely pair quickly strike up a friendship. Karl has a hard time adjusting being back in the real world, especially when he runs into Frank's mother's boyfriend Doyle (Dwight Yoakum). Doyle has made life a living hell for Frank, his mother, and her gay best friend Vaughan (John Ritter). As Karl becomes closer with Frank and his family, it becomes painfully clear that Doyle will not allow them to find happiness.
At the heart of Sling Blade is the relationship between Frank and Karl. Frank accepts Karl for who he is. Being a kid he doesn't know any better. Both just seem to "get" each other. Frank's father having passed away when he was just a boy, he is eager for a father figure in his life. Karl tries to be that, but knowing his past and who he is, he just can't. Karl does his best to love and protect Frank and his mother just the same. There are some incredible scenes with Frank and Karl talking at Frank's "secret place" by the pond. Karl is the only adult that will actually listen to Frank, hear his fears and hopes, and give him encouragement. Frank and Karl are what every friendship strives to be. Each listen to each other and help each other, and like the other for who they are. Karl is nervous about his past, but Frank takes it in stride, swearing that he won't tell his mother. Their unlikely friendship is what you root for the entire film.
Meanwhile, there's Doyle Hargraves. Country music star Dwight Yoakum creates one of the most evil, vile, and hated villains ever. Doyle is selfish, proud, and mean. He has no qualms about calling Karl a "mental retard" to his face, and is constantly giving Frank a hard time. Doyle's view on life is that Frank's mother Linda is there to serve him and his needs. A darkly funny scene involves Doyle's ridiculous band coming over to Linda's house, ending in Doyle kicking everyone out in a drunken rage. "We ain't got no BAND, RANDY!" Karl desperately wants to protect Frank and Linda, but being who he is, does not have the ability to stand up for them. I think that every Arkansan can identify with someone who is just a mean drunk like Doyle. He treats Linda as if she should worship the ground he walks on, and that she should feel lucky just to be with him. Linda knows that she is trapped in an abusive relationship, one that breaks your heart to see. Frank hates Doyle to his very core, and Doyle hates him just the same. Every scene involving Doyle leaves you on edge, hoping that he doesn't do the worst.
Sling Blade is easily one of the most quotable films of all time. You've probably heard someone quoting some of it using the voice of Karl, even if you didn't realize it. It is full of dark humor. Doyle's self-centered attitude create some absurdly funny lines from his character. Karl's unique voice is hilarious, and he has some great lines as well. "I'd like me some of them French fried potaters mmm-hmm." My Dad and I have talked to each other in Karl Childers voice hundreds of times!
Most people probably know Billy Bob Thornton as the weird guy that was married to Angelina Jolie while she had a vial of his blood around her neck. Born and raised in Arkansas, he captures small town Arkansas perfectly, and creates an incredibly entertaining film. Several non-actor Arkansans appear throughout the film (it's pretty easy to spot them too, being amateurs!). Sling Blade is available on Netflix, so give it a rent!
4.5/5
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