Dead Man Walking

REVIEW
Powerful performances from Penn and Sarandon and the deft directorial touch of sophomore helmer Robbins distinguish this gripping examination of capital punishment. Sarandon stars as Sister Helen Prejean (upon whose book the film is based), a Louisiana nun who, having devoted her life to ministering to the poor, receives a plea for help from death row inmate Matthew Poncelet (Penn). Most of the film revolves around these two characters as Sister Helen tries to draw out some shred of humanity and redemption from the remorseless Poncelet. As an analysis of a hot political issue, Dead Man Walking manages, remarkably, to find the center by concentrating on the totality of the human tragedy in both the initial crime and the concept of execution -- ultimately, there are no winners in this story. Sarandon and Penn play off each other brilliantly, both giving career performances (Sarandon won an Academy Award; Penn was nominated) in a film that depends heavily on the intimate and emotionally gut-wrenching scenes between the two of them. A thought-provoking film that will spark many a debate rather than settle them.