AFFLICTION by Paul Schrader
by Andre Soares
Affliction (1998)
Director: Paul Schrader. Screenplay: Paul Schrader, from Russell Banks’ novel. Cast: Nick Nolte, Sissy Spacek, James Coburn, Willem Dafoe, Mary Beth Hurt, Jim True
DON’T YOU SASS THE STORY
Affliction could have been an excellent study of a dysfunctional family’s cycle of violence at a time of rapid socioeconomic changes — unfortunately, it doesn’t quite make it. Based on a novel by Russell Banks (who also penned the equally snowy The Sweet Hereafter), Paul Schrader’s film adaptation relies on a realistic wintry atmosphere (courtesy of cinematographer Paul Sarossy) to convey the deadness inside the heart of the story’s protagonist, the angst-ridden, small-town sheriff Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte). Wade is a middle-aged man intent on not ending up like his abusive, alcoholic father, while inexorably sliding down that very path.
Although Schrader has set the right tone for his film, he has failed to find the right patches to cover the major plot holes that abound in his script. In one crucial scene, for instance, Wade’s brother, Rolfe (Willem Dafoe), agrees with Wade’s flimsy conspiracy theory about the death of an out-of-town businessman. The consequences of Rolfe’s blind trust in Wade are catastrophic both for the film’s characters and for its credibility.
As in The Prince of Tides, Nick Nolte delivers an overripe performance that is supposed to underline Wade’s mental instability but that has the exact opposite effect. Instead of making us focus on the character, Nolte keeps reminding us that we are watching a dedicated actor doing his best to tackle a difficult role.
On the positive side, in addition to the excellent production values and Michael Brook’s haunting music, Affliction boasts several supporting players in top form, especially Mary Beth Hurt, as Wade’s unbending ex-wife; Sissy Spacek, in a smallish role as the neurotic hero’s long-suffering girlfriend; and James Coburn, as the abusive father who has scarred his older son for life.
When Coburn barks at Nolte, "Don’t you sass me," he isn’t kidding. This reviewer only wishes he had said the same to Willem Dafoe, who sasses the voice-over narrative, leaving a sour taste at the final — and absurd — fadeout.
Synopsis:
In a small New England town, sheriff Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte) is haunted by the abuse he suffered as a child in the hands of his psychotic father, Glen (James Coburn). Additionally, Wade must come to terms with the fact that his ex-wife, Lillian (Mary Beth Hurt), will never return to him, and that his erratic behavior has alienated his daughter. Only his neglected girlfriend, Margie (Sissy Spacek), is capable of seeing through his neurotic, tough-guy crust. Yet, despite her efforts, even Margie can’t prevent Wade from drowning his angst in booze or from misdirecting it toward those around him.
Further complicating matters, Wade starts suffering from a horrendous toothache, his mother suddenly dies, and he develops an obsession with the death of an out-of-town businessman during a hunting trip. He is certain that the man was murdered by a fellow police officer, Jack (Jim True), and that there is a vast big-business conspiracy to turn the sleepy town into a luxurious winter resort.
Wade’s brother, Rolfe (Willem Dafoe), is the first one to believe his conspiracy theory. Inevitably, tragedy ensues.
Notes:
Affliction garnered veteran actor James Coburn his first Academy Award nomination (and subsequent win) in his 40-year career.
It took approximately a year-and-a-half for Affliction to be picked up by a distributor. Lions Gate released the film in the United States.
James Coburn has stated that he based his violent and abusive character on director Sam Peckinpah. Peckinpah directed Coburn in three feature films: Major Dundee (1965), Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), and Cross of Iron (1977).
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