Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

The spiritual tones of KD Lang opens as we fly into Savannah, Georgia. Reporter John Kelso (John Cusack) arrives to write a story about Jim Williams' (Kevin Spacey) Christmas Party, the event of the season for the city. It soon becomes clear to Mr. Kelso that he's stepped into another world, as the eccentricities of the neighborhood surround him: people walking imaginary dogs, throwing parties at 2am while squatting, a man who continually threatens to put poison in the drinking water, college football and getting invited to Mr. Williams' Christmas Party. And a little bit of voodoo! Mr. Kelso's story was to be a social postcard, but as his visit grows older, the story turns into something more. When Billy Hanson (Jude Law,) Mr. Williams' mechanic ends up dead, Kelso takes it upon himself to prove Williams innocent. But things aren't what they seem and influences beyond the veil threaten all involved.

The film's dry wit paints exactly what Mr. Kelso's story is supposed to be, a social postcard. It's a snapshot of eccentric society. Mr Spacey's Jim Williams is the epitome of the eccentricities of the ethos of the story. Minerva (Irma P Hall,) the voodoo priestess, is the picture of the culture of New Orleans and Southern Georgia. The tea and poker club as well as the homes they live in, as well as the strictness to manners and rules. And the high society gossip, too, but even that is restrained by manners and rules because as attorney Sonny says, "Saving face in the light of unpleasant circumstances is the Savannah way."

The players are so natural, but also over the top. Mr Spacy's Jim Williams is a juicy treat. He's got the Georgian accent perfectly, perfect warmth with a touch of madness. Mr. Cusack's John Kelso is comfortable in dry wit and a great example of an audience proxy, someone who introduces us to the world we'll live in for the length of the plot. If I saw someone walking an imaginary dog through the pristine parks, it would throw me for a loop, just as it does Kelso.

The plot seems to be unimportant in this film. In the end it's the snapshot of society that matters most. However, whatever plot there is, it's really tightly knit. Clint Eastwood, director of this piece, captures the atmosphere of the setting with finesse. The casting also was done with finesse, the chemistry between the characters is perfect as if they've been friends for a while.

This film is based on an incident of true crime. And incredible, at that, because the story is so outrageous. And the outrageous nature of it is "over the top." Mr. Eastwood spins the yarn with flare and personality. It's not easily forgettable. The presentation invites the audience to join in, to walk invisible dogs and live in Savannah and commune with the people.

****

In: John Cusack

Out: Alison Eastwood

Coming Soon: Poolhall Junkies