Muddy

I had a great time at my first *official* CR5FC event yesterday. Thanks Jeff & John. Let's do it again soon. In the meantime...let's restore FC blogging to the glory of 2011. 

The real problem with Mud is in viewing it in comparison to Take Shelter. I think we are all in agreement here. I put expectations on Mud that I don't think it could meet. Take Shelter was an anxiety-inducing, almost-transcendental film. I loved it and consider it in the top tier of films from the last several years. So, I left the theater after Mud a bit underwhelmed - even though it's expertly directed, acted, and told. 

But overnight I've softened towards the film. The performances have been sticking with me and the themes (father/son relationships, meaning of love, growing up) get stronger and more poignant. I think that Mud and Ellis are so captivating on screen that I watched a lot of the film without much reflection. 

I would like to see Mud again soon. Right now it gets a solid 4 stars from me. But with more viewings and some more thought, I think it could creep higher.