by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
How does someone process one of their loved ones committing an evil and horrifying act against other people? School shootings are all too frequent in the United States and there are so many different angles to these horrific stories. You obviously have the shooter who has committed these terrible acts. There are the victims who will never get to grow and live out their life because they have been unceremoniously torn from this mortal coil. You have survivors who have trauma that will live with them for the rest of their lives. There are the loved ones of those who were killed as well. Then you have the other element…that loved ones of the shooter.
How does acclaimed actor Michael Shannon tackle such a challenging topic with his new directorial effort? With an acclaimed film like Mass still living in the minds of cinephiles, Eric LaRue navigates this story in a different way through the screenplay by Brett Neveu (based on his own play). Where Mass is a claustrophobic drama where four parents are stuck in a singular conversation and must process this shared trauma, Eric LaRue explores the lives of the shooter’s parents. Taking this story out into the community is an interesting choice and allows there to be different aspects of life. You have Janice LaRue struggling with getting back to work and the type of “distraction” she brings to her workplace (there is a prank done to her that is heartbreaking early in the film). You see her navigate a religious man trying to bring her and the victims’ mothers into the same space. How this plays out is unexpected and challenging. The elements of Eric’ father, Ron, are less interesting as he explores a new church and a new woman sliding into his life, but the way this screenplay explores religion in the aftermath of such an event and its’ impact on the community feels fresh and compelling. This all leads to an unexpected climax that is perfectly executed and is just filled with emotion.
Does Shannon bring something special from behind the camera? You can tell that there is not a strong and distinct creative voice behind this film. But Shannon navigates this story with tact and care. The film sits in its moments (not a surprise since this was a play) and allows the actors to deliver. This feels like an actor’s film and Shannon does a great job of crafting a film that gives its actors the space to sell every word and bit of emotion on screen. This is a film that is not flashy but there are small creative visual choices that deliver quite a bit of impact. The perfect example is the final shot of the film that leaves the audience sitting in a moment of great emotion. Shannon shows off a steady hand with Eric LaRue and that is exactly what is necessary when tackling such a challenging subject matter.
Does the cast deliver with a film that is certainly actor focused? The greatest achievement of this film is finally giving Judy Greer a leading role to really shine. The sadness, shock, anger, and every other complicated emotion swirling around is just there. Greer has a vulnerability here that is challenged with each new roadblock in her way. A lot of this film is placed on her shoulders, and she rises to the occasion every moment. Alexander Skarsgard has a completely different job as a father who is moving on a lot quicker than his wife. He brings a brighter and more bubbly nature that clashes so well with Greer’s deeply shaken performance. Paul Sparks and Tracey Letts both play religious leaders and deliver completely different perspectives as well. Sparks has an awkwardness and desperation as he tries to cling to his flock (which he loses to Letts’ church). Sparks oddly feels a tad like Tim Robinson… which is such a strange energy for the film (but it works). Letts is not in it much but plays the televangelist type so well. Finally, Alison Pill brings her unique energy as a performer to her role as a woman who is making things interesting in the life of Skarsgard’s Ron.
Is Eric LaRue a strong effort from Shannon? This film is certainly full of emotion and navigates its themes with a steady and empathetic hand. The cast really shines with Greer leading the way in a career best performance. Shannon shines more in subtle yet effective ways. Some narrative elements are not as interesting and the film occasionally feels limited by its’ play roots but overall, this is a moving and impactful experience.
Rating: Liked It
Eric LaRue is currently playing in theaters
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