Monster's Ball (2001)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Director:

Marc Forster

Writers (WGA):

Milo Addica (written by) &
Will Rokos (written by)

Release Date:

8 February 2002 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

A lifetime of change can happen in a single moment.

Plot:

After a family tragedy, a racist prison guard reexamines his attitudes while falling in love with the African American wife of the last prisoner he executed.

Plot Keywords:

Prison | Racist | Love | Prison Guard | Black Woman

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 10 wins & 16 nominations

Cast

Billy Bob Thornton	...	Hank Grotowski
Halle Berry	...	Leticia Musgrove
Taylor Simpson	...	Lucille
Gabrielle Witcher	...	Betty
Heath Ledger	...	Sonny Grotowski
Amber Rules	...	Vera
Peter Boyle	...	Buck Grotowski
Charles Cowan Jr.	...	Willie Cooper
Taylor LaGrange	...	Darryl Cooper
Mos Def	...	Ryrus Cooper
Anthony Bean	...	Dappa Smith
Francine Segal	...	Georgia Ann Paynes
John McConnell	...	Harvey Shoonmaker
Marcus Lyle Brown	...	Phil Huggins
Milo Addica	...	Tommy Roulaine
Leah Loftin	...	Booter
Coronji Calhoun	...	Tyrell Musgrove
Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs	...	Lawrence Musgrove (as Sean Combs)
Larry Lee	...	Co #1
Troy Poret	...	Co #2
Paul Smith	...	Co #3
Marshall Cain	...	Correction Officer
Will Rokos	...	Warden Velesco
Anthony Michael Frederick	...	Billy
John Wilmot	...	Minister
Dennis Clements	...	Clements
Stephanie Claire	...	Nurse
James Haven	...	Hospital Guard
Ritchie Montgomery	...	Detective
Clara Hopkins Daniels	...	Maggie Cooper (as Clara Infinity Daniels)
Carol Sutton	...	Ms. Guillermo
Bernard Johnson	...	Deputy Jones
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jeanette Kontomitras	...	Tyrell's School Teacher (uncredited)
Earl Maddox	...	Patron (uncredited)
T.J. Toups	...	Waffle House Patron (uncredited)

Directed by
Marc Forster

Writing credits (WGA)
Milo Addica		(written by) &
Will Rokos		(written by)

Produced by
Milo Addica	....	co-producer
Michael Burns	....	executive producer
Lee Daniels	....	producer
Eric Kopeloff	....	co-producer
Eric Kopeloff	....	line producer
Michael Paseornek	....	executive producer
Will Rokos	....	co-producer
Mark Urman	....	executive producer

Original Music by
Asche & Spencer		(as Asche and Spencer)

Cinematography by
Roberto Schaefer		(director of photography)

Film Editing by
Matt Chesse		(as Matt Chessé)

Casting by
Kerry Barden
Mark Bennett
Billy Hopkins
Suzanne Smith

Production Design by
Monroe Kelly

Art Direction by
Leonard R. Spears		(as Leonard Spears)

Set Decoration by
Leonard R. Spears		(uncredited)

Costume Design by
Frank L. Fleming		(as Frank Fleming)

Makeup Department
Brian Badie	....	hair stylist
Mary Burton	....	makeup artist: Ms. Berry
Carla Chao	....	assistant makeup artist
Sterfon Demings	....	hair stylist: Ms. Berry
Lynne K. Eagan	....	makeup artist: Mr. Thornton (as Lynne Eagan)
Allison Gordin	....	makeup artist
Joani Yarbrough	....	hair stylist: Mr. Thornton
Carol F. Doran	....	wig maker (uncredited)

Production Management
Robert Ortiz	....	unit production manager (as Rob Ortiz)
Carl Pedregal	....	post-production supervisor

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Batou Chandler	....	second second assistant director
Michael Lerman	....	first assistant director
James Roque	....	second assistant director (as James Roque Jr.)

Art Department
Peter Bankins	....	prop master
Michael Blum	....	props production assistant
Mary Frances Eglin	....	art department coordinator (as Mary Frances Elgin)
David Erwin	....	on-set dresser
Daniel Fox	....	set dresser
Holly Goline	....	assistant property master
Kristin Hensley	....	artwork: Lawrence Musgrove
Leo Lauricella	....	carpenter
Vince Le Blanc	....	leadman (as Vince Leblanc)
Genevieve Leyh	....	assistant scenic
Danny Nick	....	swing
John Patterson	....	carpenter
Eric William Pierson	....	set dresser (as Eric Pierson)
Stuart Rankine	....	props production assistant
Russell Slaughter	....	swing
Chuck Stringer	....	construction coordinator (as George 'Chuck' Stringer)
Steve Walters	....	charge scenic

Sound Department
Jimmy 'Coach' Armstrong	....	boom operator
Rick Ash	....	sound re-recording mixer (as Rick Ashe)
Weldon Brown	....	adr mixer
Zane D. Bruce	....	foley artist (as Zane Bruce)
Patrick Cabral	....	foley editor (as Pat Cabral)
Joe Earle	....	sound re-recording mixer
Lisle Engle	....	sound editor
Jeffrey Haupt	....	additional sound mixer
Trevor Jolly	....	adr editor
Trevor Jolly	....	dialogue editor
Michael Kamper	....	sound designer
Diane Lucas	....	adr recordist
Jennifer L. Mann	....	foley editor (as Jennifer Mann)
Glenn T. Morgan	....	supervising sound designer
Glenn T. Morgan	....	supervising sound editor
Hugh Murphy	....	digital assistant
Jeff Pullman	....	sound mixer
Steve Ralsten	....	additional sound (as Steve Ralston)
Brian Ruberg	....	foley mixer
David Ruth	....	adr editor
David Ruth	....	dialogue editor
Joseph T. Sabella	....	foley artist (as Joseph Sabella)
Greg Steele	....	adr mixer
Patrick Stoltz	....	additional sound (as Pat Stoltz)
Kim Waugh	....	additional sound
Drew Webster	....	sound re-recording mixer
Gayle Wesley	....	additional sound
Eric Lamb	....	assistant sound editor (uncredited)
Carrie Lisonbee	....	assistant sound editor (uncredited)
Michael McNerney	....	adr recordist (uncredited)
Angie Stanghetti	....	additional adr recordist (uncredited)

Special Effects by
Brian Bankston	....	special effects production assistant
Edward Bankston	....	special effects assistant
David K. Nami	....	special effects coordinator (as David Nami)
William A. Nami	....	special effects assistant
Glen Palmisano	....	special effects production assistant

Visual Effects by
Colleen Duffy	....	visual effects producer: SOL designfx
M.B. Emigh	....	main title design: SOL designfx (as MB Emigh)
Michael Hatcher	....	digital artist: SOL designfx
Jeff Heusser	....	digital compositing supervisor: SOL designfx
Steven Emmert	....	optical compositor: THDX (uncredited)
Jim Gorman	....	digital compositor (uncredited)
Reid Paul	....	digital effects supervisor (uncredited)

Stunts
Harry Harris III	....	stunt coordinator (as Harry Harris)
Danny Cosmo Higginbottom	....	utility stunts (as Danny Cosmo)

Camera and Electrical Department
Bob Bates	....	electrician
Paul Beard	....	company grip
Jeanne-Louise Bulliard	....	publicity photographer (as Jeanne Louise Bulliard)
Rufus Burnam	....	thanks: The Camera House (as Rufus Burnham)
Buddy Carr	....	dolly grip
Gilly Charbonnet	....	key grip
Christopher Ekstrom	....	company grip (as Christopher Eckstrom)
Sean Finnegan	....	electrician (as Sean Funnegan)
Matthew Gaumer	....	second assistant camera (as Matt Gaumer)
Jason Goodowens	....	company grip
Jerry M. Jacob	....	Steadicam operator
Francis James	....	director of photography: second unit
Vic Keatley	....	best boy electric (as Victor Keatly)
Paul T. LeBlanc	....	24 frame video operator (as Paul T. Leblanc)
Ian Lynch	....	first assistant camera: second unit
Mike McLaughlin	....	gaffer
P.K. Munson	....	first assistant camera (as Peter Kerr 'P.K.' Munson)
Mike 'Chewie' Pappas	....	electrician (as Chewie Pappas)
Michael L. Smith	....	electrician (as Mike Smith)
Joe Uddo	....	camera production assistant
Lynda Vincent	....	film loader
Ralph Watson	....	Steadicam operator
Don W. Wegner	....	best boy grip (as Don Wegner)

Costume and Wardrobe Department
Donna Chance	....	costume supervisor
Dana Embree	....	additional set costumer
Caroline Eselin	....	set costumer
Meagan McLaughlin	....	wardrobe production assistant
Severin Serafini	....	costume stylist
Giselle Spence	....	seamstress

Editorial Department
John Homesley	....	assistant editor
Meagan James	....	first assistant editor
Richard Jordan	....	executive in charge of post-production
Larry Manke	....	telecine colorist (as Larry P. Manke)
Frank Moshier	....	post-production coordinator
Harry Muller	....	color timer

Music Department
Asche & Spencer	....	song producer: "I'm Your Man" (as Asche and Spencer)
Bob DeMaa	....	music mixer
Joel C. High	....	music supervisor
Stephanie Lynn Urcheck	....	music coordinator
Dean Menta	....	score engineer (uncredited)

Transportation Department
Butch Chaney	....	driver (as W. 'Butch' Chaney)
Nelson B. Conino	....	driver
Richard A. Davis	....	transportation co-coordinator (as Rick Davis)
Jerry Everett	....	transportation captain
Davis Hawn	....	driver: van
Davis Hawn	....	picture car wrangler
Win Hershy	....	driver: Location Catering Service
Jerry Jackson	....	transportation coordinator
Jeremy Jaklevick	....	driver
Duke Kuhn	....	driver (as Bill 'Duke' Kuhn)
Dennis Monk	....	driver
David J. Prestenback	....	picture car production assistant
Al Sens	....	driver
Robbie Stubblefield	....	picture car production assistant

Other crew
Stephen Apostolina	....	adr loop group (as Steve Apostolima)
Susie Blanchard	....	set medic
Cheech Bradford	....	insurance: AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance
Tessa Brophy	....	assistant production coordinator
Sam Chwat	....	speech & dialect coach
Joseph Coble	....	craft service (as Joseph L. Coble)
Lisa Cortes	....	assistant: Mr. Daniels
Chris Cowart	....	third man
Wendy Cutler	....	adr loop group
G. 'Opey' Davis	....	set production assistant
Albert T. Dickerson III	....	completion bond: The Motion Picture Bond Company (as Al Dickerson)
Jake Donohoe	....	post-production accountant: Lions Gate
Ryan Eustis	....	office production assistant
Eddie Frierson	....	adr loop group
Donald Fullilove	....	adr loop group (as Don Fullilove)
Elisa Gabrielli	....	adr loop group (as Elisa Gabrella)
Caleb Guillote	....	payroll clerk
Kristin Hensley	....	unit production assistant
Bill Hershey	....	chef: Location Catering Service (as Billy Hershey)
Win Hershy	....	chef: Location Catering Service
Alissa M. Kantrow	....	production coordinator (as Alissa Miller Kantrow)
Daniel Katz	....	assistant: Mr. Urman
Brian M. Kingman	....	insurance: AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance (as Brian Kingman)
Rosemary Lara	....	assistant: Mr. Paseornek
Nikki Lawder	....	business and legal affairs assistant: Lions Gate
Donna Lynn Leavy	....	adr loop group (as Donna Lyn Levy)
Betty Lee	....	production controller: Lions Gate
Danny Lee	....	business and legal affairs assistant: Lions Gate
Wayne Levin	....	executive vice president of business affairs: Lions Gate
Kelly Lofstrom	....	business and legal affairs assistant: Lions Gate
Daniel MacArthur	....	production assistant: Lions Gate
Mike Mahone	....	production intern
Laurie May	....	business and legal affairs: Lions Gate
Laurie May	....	senior vice president: Lions Gate
David Ross McCarty	....	location manager
Jessica Seifert McCarty	....	location assistant
Caitlin McKenna-Wilkinson	....	adr loop group leader (as Caitlin McKeena)
Robert M. Melnik	....	vice president of business affairs: Lions Gate (as Robert Melnik)
Curtis A. Miller	....	manager of production: Lions Gate
Mark Miller	....	first assistant accountant
Paul Pape	....	adr loop group
Jeff Joon Park	....	business and legal affairs assistant: Lions Gate
Tonia Pound	....	set production assistant
Leonard Reynolds	....	key set production assistant
Terence Rosemore	....	set production assistant
Kristin Scott	....	assistant: Mr. Thornton (as Kirstin Scott)
M. Gerard Sellers	....	location scout (as Gerard Sellers)
Sherman Shelton Jr.	....	set production assistant (as Sherman Shelton)
Donna Sloan	....	vice president of production: Lions Gate
Barry Steadman	....	set production assistant
Cynthia Tanner	....	office production assistant
Michael Taylor	....	script supervisor
Arnold F. Turner	....	adr loop group (as Arnold Turner)
Marco Umana	....	assistant location manager
Marco Umana	....	security officer
Sharon Vise	....	production accountant
Charlyn Ware	....	manager of business and legal affairs: Lions Gate
Wise Wolf	....	set production assistant (as Wise Wolfe)
Beverly Wood	....	lab consultant (as The Amazing Beverly Wood)
Steve Zeigler	....	assistant chef: Location Catering Service
Charlie French	....	medic (uncredited)
E. Michael Hewett	....	location scout: North Carolina (uncredited)
Ted Kantrow	....	caterer (uncredited)
Gary J. Sims	....	payroll services (uncredited)
Paul Uddo	....	production assistant (uncredited)
Jeremy Walker	....	unit publicist (uncredited)

Thanks
Peter Afterman	....	thanks
Steve Alexander	....	thanks
Stuart Baird	....	thanks
Carol Sue Baker	....	thanks
Chris Barrios	....	thanks: operator, City of Kernner
Ralph Beaumont Jr.	....	thanks: maintenance, City of Kernner
Owen Bly	....	thanks
Michael Borne	....	thanks: Laplace volunteer fire department
Les Boudreaux	....	thanks: Laplace volunteer fire department
Robert Bourgeois	....	thanks: Laplace volunteer fire department
Burl Cain	....	thanks: warden, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, GA
Guymon Casady	....	thanks
Renée Chabria	....	thanks
Sheriff Donald Chaffin	....	thanks: Henry County, GA
Gillian Harwood Chesse	....	thanks
Louis J. Congemi	....	thanks: mayor, City of Kernner
Bob Del Montegue	....	thanks
Jeffery P. Dupuis	....	thanks
Cassian Elwes	....	thanks
Todd Feldman	....	thanks
John Fogelman	....	thanks
Cathy Fontenot	....	thanks: Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, GA
Dominic Griffin	....	thanks (as Dominick Griffin)
Mike Guillot	....	thanks: fire captain, City of Kernner
Drew Hammond	....	thanks
Todd Harris	....	thanks
Paulette Hawkins	....	thanks
Mack Hill	....	thanks
M. Hopeloff	....	thanks
R. Hopeloff	....	thanks
Phil Huggins	....	thanks
Randy Jurgensen	....	thanks
Denise Kay	....	thanks
Scott Lambert	....	thanks
Eunice Lee	....	thanks
Linda Lichter	....	thanks
Pamela Lillis	....	thanks
Tom Lopinski	....	thanks
Gary Louris	....	thanks
Blake Luminais	....	thanks: Laplace volunteer fire department
Dennis Marchelle	....	thanks
Dorothy Massi	....	thanks
Kristine Moore	....	thanks
Larry Musgrove	....	thanks
J. David Nonaka	....	thanks
Jill Olson	....	thanks
Jonathan Palmer	....	thanks
Dino Paredes	....	thanks
June Perkins	....	thanks
Poland Perkins	....	thanks
Melanie Ramsayer	....	thanks
Iggy Rosales	....	thanks: operator, City of Kernner
Leora Rosenberg	....	thanks
Jeff Rosen	....	thanks
Sara Jane Sargent	....	thanks
Phil Seifert	....	thanks
Rebecca Shetler	....	thanks: secretary, City of Kernner
Pam Springs	....	thanks
Harley Toberman	....	thanks
Nicole Trutanic	....	thanks
Darrel Vannoy	....	thanks: assistant warden, Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola, GA
Chip Wale	....	thanks: Laplace volunteer fire department
Stacy Wallen	....	thanks (as Stacey Wallen-McCarthy)
Patrick Whalen	....	thanks
Brian Young	....	thanks: Laplace volunteer fire department
Michael Zito	....	thanks: fire chief, City of Kernner

Production Companies

• Lee Daniels Entertainment
• Lions Gate Films

Distributors

• Lions Gate Films (2001) (USA) (theatrical)
• Ascot Elite Entertainment Group (2002) (Switzerland) (theatrical)
• Central Partnership (2002) (Russia) (theatrical)
• Metropolitan Filmexport (2002) (France) (theatrical)
• Hoyts Distribution (2002) (Australia) (theatrical)
• Spentzos Films (2002) (Greece) (theatrical)
• 01 Distribuzione (2002) (Italy) (theatrical)
• Vértigo Films (2002) (Spain) (theatrical)
• Independent Films (2002) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
• Alfa Films (2002) (Argentina) (theatrical)
• Entertainment Film Distributors (2002) (UK) (theatrical)
• Tobis StudioCanal (2002) (Germany) (theatrical)
• Prorom Media-Trade (2003) (Romania) (theatrical)
• Dutch FilmWorks (DFW) (2002) (Netherlands) (DVD) (VHS)
• E Stars Films (2004) (China) (TV)
• Imagem Filmes (Brazil) (DVD)
• Imagem Filmes (Brazil) (VHS)
• Prorom Media-Trade (2001) (Romania) (all media)
• Transeuropa Video Entertainment (TVE) (2002) (Argentina) (DVD)
• Transeuropa Video Entertainment (TVE) (2002) (Argentina) (VHS)
• Universum Film (UFA) (2003) (Germany) (DVD)

Special Effects

• Sol Design FX (title design)
• Sol Design FX (visual effects)

Other Companies

• AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance Services  insurance provided by (as AON/Albert G. Ruben Insurance)
• Air Core 1 Generic  thanks
• American Heart Association  thanks (as American Heart Association)
• Axium/Avalon Entertainment Services  payroll services (as Axium/Avalon)
• Bacardi  thanks
• Blockbuster Video  thanks
• Blue Bunny Ice Cream  thanks
• Bolle Sunglasses  thanks
• Braun Coffeemaker  thanks
• Camera House, The  thanks
• Carhart  thanks
• Casio Electronics  thanks (as Casio)
• Cat Footware  thanks
• Cherry Marketing Institute  thanks
• Club Magazine  thanks
• Coastal Grip  grip and electrical equipment provided by
• Coca-Cola Company, The  thanks (as Coca-Cola)
• Coleman Coolers  thanks
• Crew Cuts  thanks
• Daily Herald  thanks
• Dewar's  thanks
• Dickies  thanks
• Diet Coke  thanks
• Entertainment Post  video dailies
• Executive Cutting Service  negative cutting (as Executive Cutting)
• Fix-A-Flat  thanks
• Francis Ford Coppola's House  thanks
• Frito-Lay  thanks (as Frito Lay)
• Gumout/Outlaw  thanks
• Hatco  thanks
• Hunt's Ketchup  thanks
• Jack Daniels  thanks
• Jeremy Walker + Associates  publicity (as Jeremy Walker & Associates)
• Juiceman  thanks
• Katoo  thanks
• Keslow Cameras  thanks: Arriflex cameras (as Keslow Camera)
• Lagniappe's Craft Service  craft service
• Location Catering Service  catering
• Maker's Mark  thanks
• Miller Brewing Company  thanks (as Miller Brewing)
• Molly McButter  thanks
• Moon Pies  thanks
• Motion Picture Bond Company, The  completion bond provided by (as The Motion Picture Bond Company)
• Motorola  thanks
• Mrs. Dash Seasonings  thanks
• Nabisco  thanks
• New York Speech Improvement Services  speech and dialect coaching
• Paskal Lighting  grip and lighting equipment (uncredited)
• Pennzoil Product Company  thanks (as Penzoil)
• PrismSound  Dream ADA-8 for audio a/d conversion (as Prism Sound ADA-8)
• Procter & Gamble Productions (PGP)  thanks (as Proctor & Gamble)
• Quaker Oats  thanks (as Quaker Oatmeal)
• Raybanre/Max  thanks
• Rejuvenique  thanks
• Serengeti  thanks
• Soundelux  sound post-production (as Soundelux Editorial)
• Sports Illustrated  thanks
• The Coffee Beanery  thanks
• Title House Digital  opticals
• Todd Studios  sound post-production
• WildTurkey  thanks

Also Known As:

Le bal du monstre (Canada: French title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexual content, language and violence.

Runtime:

111 min | USA:112 min (unrated director's cut)

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

UK:15 | Iceland:14 | Iceland:16 (video rating) | New Zealand:R16 | Brazil:16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:R | Austria:16 (Steiermark) | Finland:K-15 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:III | Italy:VM14 | Japan:R-18 | Netherlands:16 | Norway:15 | Peru:18 | Philippines:R-18 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:R(A) | South Korea:18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:11 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:16 (canton of the Grisons) | USA:NC-17 (original rating) | USA:R (censored version) | Canada:18A (Alberta/British Columbia) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia)

Filming Locations:

Laplace, Louisiana, USA

Company:

Lee Daniels Entertainment

Trivia:

As part of his research for the film, director Marc Forster actually sat in an electric chair and was horrified to see the nail marks that the electrocuted prisoners had involuntarily scratched into the wood.

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: Right before Leticia runs out of the house after meeting Buck, there is a shot in which Buck is speaking but his lips are not moving.

Quotes:

Hank Grotowski: All I wanna hear is dirt hit that box.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Greatest Canadian" (2004)

Soundtrack:

I'm Your Man

Extraordinary Performances by Berry and Thornton

It's very rare, but occasionally a film comes along that plays out so realistically that it doesn't even seem like you're watching a movie, but participating-- albeit as an observer-- in this particular drama of life that is unfolding around you. And so it is with `Monster's Ball,' a riveting film, directed by Marc Forster, that is so real it transcends entertainment and becomes a voyeuristic experience that leaves you with the sense that you've been through everything that's happened yourself. It's a thought provoking examination of relationships and perspectives, including the ingrained, subjective attitudes-- especially prejudices-- that have such a profound and lasting affect on our lives, as well as the lives of those around us. It's a film that says so much about the way we respond to one another, as well as certain situations, and why; in short, it's about the world that we, as a society, have created and must live in together-- right or wrong, good or bad, black or white. And at the heart of the story is a message that rings through loud and true; a perception that we can do better-- and must-- if we are to survive as a civilized, dignified and progressive species. In the final analysis, we are, all of us, members of the family of Man; and it's time we realize and acknowledge it.

After eleven years on death row at a Georgia State Penitentiary, Lawrence Musgrove (Sean Combs) is out of appeals and is headed for the electric chair. There to make their final visit is Musgrove's wife, Leticia (Halle Berry), and their son, Tyrell (Coronji Calhoun), while veteran corrections officer Hank Grotowski (Billy Bob Thornton) oversees the proceedings. Also on hand is third-generation corrections officer Sonny Grotowski (Heath Ledger), who during Musgrove's final walk discovers he doesn't have the stomach required to perform his duties, which will later create some conflict with his father.

Bigotry, it seems, is something of a family trait; Hank's father, Buck (Peter Boyle), a retired corrections officer, is the product of a time when African Americans `knew their place.' But it's an attitude that's apparently become somewhat watered down in his family from one generation to the next. Hank seems almost indifferent, even apathetic, when it comes to race, though under stress, especially, he defers to his father's views. Sonny, however, has a mind of his own, and by nature is more willing to embrace all of the myriad and diverse aspects of life as he sees it. And with the three generations of Grotowski men living under one roof, needless to say, there is more than some tension in the household, which inevitably leads to tragedy.

Leticia, meanwhile, is riding a downward spiral in her own life, attempting to cope with both her husband's situation and a problem with her son, while having to make a living on top of it all. And just when it seems that her world is about to fall into total collapse, circumstances bring her into contact with-- of all people-- Hank Grotowski. Call it fate, or just one of those things; but it becomes a turning point, not only in their lives, but in the lives of a number of people close to them. And very soon, for Hank and Leticia, especially, the world becomes a very different place.

Working from a screenplay by Milo Addica and Will Rokos that is intelligent, incisive and uncompromising, Forster delivers an emotionally absorbing drama that is raw, insightful and presented with a subtle intensity that is so thoroughly engrossing it becomes mesmerizing. It's a film that does not allow the viewer the luxury of casual observation or an indifferent attitude; the story is told in terms that are so brutally honest and starkly realistic that it does not provide for neutral ground or ambiguity on the part of it's audience. This is powerful drama, and Forster makes sure that everyone watching has the sense of actually being included as the story unfolds. He makes you a part of this world in which Hank, Leticia and the others live-- there's no standing on the sidelines with this one. As in real life, with this film you are confronted with situations that demand resolution and force you to make decisions.

It takes a number of elements to make a truly great film, of course, and in this one they all come together beautifully-- especially in the performances, beginning with Billy Bob Thornton, who is without question one of the best leading men/character actors in the business. He's a true chameleon who never ceases to amaze with his versatility and his ability to create believable, interesting and memorable characters, from Karl (arguably his most memorable) in `Sling Blade,' to Jacob in `A Simple Plan,' or Russell in `Pushing Tin' to Hank in this film, whom he captures with absolutely incredible subtlety and depth. It's a terrific performance, delivered with nuance and restraint, and it should have earned him an Oscar nomination, as it was clearly one of the best performances of the year.

What really takes this film to a higher level, though, is the extraordinary performance by Halle Berry as Leticia, in whom she creates a finely layered, three-dimensional character that is singularly effective and entirely believable and real. In Leticia, you will find every conceivable emotion woven around conflicts born of the definitive complexities of life, the things we all experience in one way or another at one time or another, and to which everyone will be able to relate on some level, according to personal experience. In this performance, Berry does it all and gives her all, and it's work for which she deservedly was awarded the Oscar for Best Actress. When you come away from this film, it's with the indelible images of Leticia and Hank burned into your memory, thanks to the talents of Berry, Thornton and Forster. `Monster's Ball' is compelling, unforgettable drama, and an example of filmmaking at it's best. 10/10.