Return to Good and Evil: A Movie Review

The Organizing Idea: A Return to Good and Evil

by Praveen Raj Palanivelu

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	408 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Return to Good and Evil is a 2006 biographical drama film directed by Steve Kloves and starring Thomas Haden Church, Olivia Wilde, Anne Heche, Clancy Brown, and Bruce Dern. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Jim Thompson.

The film tells the story of Reverend Louis Lafon (Church),a Methodist minister in Texas in the 1920s. Lafon is a charismatic and popular preacher, but he also has a dark side. He is a heavy drinker and a womanizer, and he is often involved in violent confrontations.

One day, Lafon is accused of murdering a young woman. He is convicted and sentenced to death, but he escapes from prison and goes on the run. Lafon eventually makes his way back to Texas, where he tries to start a new life. However, his past catches up with him, and he is eventually killed by a mob of vigilantes.

Return to Good and Evil is a well-crafted and suspenseful film. Kloves does an excellent job of creating a sense of time and place, and the film's characters are complex and well-developed. Church gives a standout performance as Lafon, and he is ably supported by the rest of the cast.

The film is also notable for its unflinching look at the dark side of human nature. Lafon is a deeply flawed character, but he is also capable of great kindness and compassion. The film explores the complex relationship between good and evil, and it asks the question of whether redemption is possible for even the most heinous of sinners.

Return to Good and Evil is a powerful and thought-provoking film. It is a must-see for fans of biographical dramas, and it is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

Cast

• Thomas Haden Church as Reverend Louis Lafon
• Olivia Wilde as Pearl Wallace
• Anne Heche as Stella Knutson
• Clancy Brown as John Harte
• Bruce Dern as Reverend Elbert Harper

Crew

• Director: Steve Kloves
• Writer: Steve Kloves
• Producer: Joe Roth
• Composer: Carter Burwell
• Cinematographer: Seamus McGarvey
• Editor: Stephen Mirrione

Awards

• Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
• Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama
• Nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Motion Picture

Box office

Return to Good and Evil grossed $30 million at the box office.

Critical reception

Return to Good and Evil received positive reviews from critics. The film has a 75% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 67 out of 100 score on Metacritic.

Return to Good and Evil is a well-crafted and suspenseful film. It is a must-see for fans of biographical dramas, and it is sure to stay with you long after the credits have rolled.

The Organizing Idea: A Return to Good and Evil

by Praveen Raj Palanivelu

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2764 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	408 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE