Joe appears to be a significant film in terms of the careers of both its director and its star. It is helmed by David Gordon Green, once the darling of the American indie movie scene following the release of George Washington in 2000. His career seemed to be progressing as you would expect until he made a sudden move into making solely gross out or frat boys comedies with Pineapple Express in 2008.
The career trajectory of the star, Nicolas Cage, is better known. He was seen as a rising star in his younger years, though I always found him a little too mannered for my tastes. Following his Oscar win for Leaving Las Vegas, I enjoyed his initial foray into action films with The Rock and Con Air, but things went into a mostly rapid decline since then. In recent years he has been starring in often straight to DVD dross in order to pay a huge tax bill.
It is refreshing, therefore, that Joe marks a significant return to Green’s roots and a return to form for Cage. Cage plays the title character, who has a troubled past and anger issues, but is basically decent. He runs a tree poisoning business (I know that sounds odd but it makes sense in the film!) and employs a number of local men. When he gives a job to Gary (Tye Sheridan) a 15 year old boy who has newly arrived in town, he becomes gradually embroiled in Gary’s problems which can only lead to a tragic resolution.
This is a thick slice of southern gothic, highly atmospheric, and at times claustrophobic. With many of the supporting roles given to non-actors, the acting style feels very naturalistic. The most notable of those cast is Gary Poulter as Wade, Gary’s abusive father. Poulter was a homeless alcoholic found by Green who tragically died just after the film’s completion. The workers on Joe’s crew were non-actors, using people who do similar jobs in real life.
The scenes depicting their workplace camaraderie are amongst the best in the film. You might think that Cage would be out of place amongst the non-professional actors. Thankfully he has toned down his mannerisms and volume and consequently gives, what I think, is the performance of his career. Sheridan, who has an amazing movie CV comprising just Tree of Life, Mud and this, is also terrific.
A slow burn but with a dramatic and violent ending, this may be too considered for some, but I also expect to see it on many end of year lists.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10