31 Movies for Halloween: Frailty “I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart to stay. And if the Devil doesn’t like it he can sit on a tack. Ouch! Sit on a tack. Ouch! ...” Oh hey there readers! I was just singing along to the only song sung in today’s movie and I’m happy that you’ve joined me for a film I’ve been dying to write about, but first I’ll bring you up to speed in case you missed out on yesterday’s entry. Yesterday I talked about a great indie horror film called “Session 9” which was directed by Brad Anderson Today I will be talking about one of my favorite gothic horror movies of the 21st century. It also happens to be Bill Paxton’s directorial debut which is top notch. So, let’s see what this delicious twisted tale is! The Movie: Frailty Released: April 12th, 2002 Directed by: Bill Paxton MPAA Rating: R The Main Players: Powers Boothe as FBI Agent Doyle Bill Paxton as Dad Matthew McConaughey as Fenton Meiks Otis as Otis Matt O’Leary as Young Fenton Meiks Jeremy Sumpter as Young Adam Meiks The Synopsis: After Dad receives a visit from an angel that tells him God’s plan, Dad must gather up his sons to carry out God’s will by destroying demons that have taken the shape of man. Years later, Fenton Meiks seeks out the FBI to confess the atrocities of his father that took place when he and his brother were younger. What I like about this movie: “Frailty” really deserved a bigger audience than it got because this is such an amazing film. I love horror movies like this one because the premise is not that far out there and there could plausibly people like Bill Paxton’s character that do exist. That is scarier, to me, than monsters, aliens or ghosts. I’m one of those people, and I have to attribute this to my sometimes over active imagination and my love of the criminal mind (my degree is Psych is responsible for that), that when I see a car pass me I don’t stop at the thought “I wonder where they’re going.” No, I have to take it a step further by thinking “Is this person on their way to commit a crime? Is there a body in the trunk? Is s/he returning home to his or her spouse after a romp with another lover?” So, it’s the little dark secrets that everyone holds that makes Bill Paxton’s actions so creepy. Did he really receive a message from God, or is it all in his head? That’s what Brent Hanley, the writer of “Frailty” wanted to explore. Hanley’s story is super tight and extremely engaging as he reveals tiny bits of information about the characters at the right times, but it’s enough to keep you in the dark until the very end. On a second viewing, the story takes on an even more sinister tone, but you’ll have to take a look for yourself. As a first time director, Bill Paxton did an amazing job handling those duties as well as having to play Dad. Plus, and I’ve mentioned this in a few other entries, if you like Hitchcock, you’ll love how he influenced Paxton when making this movie. Like Hitchcock, all the violent stuff in “Frailty” is all implied and the sense of dread is pretty much at every corner once Dad is visited by the angel. Paxton also used some old school techniques when filming. The entire story plays out in an FBI squad car as Powers Boothe is transporting Matthew McConaughey to the scene of the his Dad’s crimes. In the studio, Paxton uses a stationary car. When watching the extras on the DVD this scene is showcased and I’m always blown away by how simple the set up is as well as how interesting lighting techniques can be. The casting is also great especially with pick of Matt O’Leary and Jeremy Sumpter as the Meiks brothers. I do have to say that O’Leary stole the show as Fenton. Paxton’s transformation from loving father to religious fanatic is creepy. This film is very dark and twisted. It’s also a very intelligent script, so if you’re looking for a cheap no brainer, this isn’t the movie for you. The pacing is on the slower side, but you become so engrossed with the story that it’s over before you know it. I highly recommend seeing “Frailty.” FRAILTY (2001) Frailty deserves the award for the single most underappreciated movie of recent years. This is one of my all time favorite films, directed by one of my all time favorite actors, Bill Paxton (Game over, man! Game over!) When anyone asks me for a scary movie recommendation, most of the time I tell them to see this. It always comes to mind because it’s truly a movie that everyone can, and everyone will, love. It’s not too over the top for some of the more impressionable viewers, but it’s also not too softball for the more hardcore folks. It walks a perfect line for just about everyone. So here is my recommendation for the cheap seats… Readers of this blog, you must see this film. Pictured above: Young Fenton (Matt O'Leary) and Bill Paxton (Dad Meiks) in FRAILTY. The creepiness is so subtle that it unknowingly sneaks up on you, until before you know it, you’ve been pulled in to a world that is absolutely haunting. The mood and atmosphere is pitch perfect. I don’t want to ruin too much, but needless to say it’s about a religious man’s mission to “destroy demons,” and the teaching of his two young sons to assist him. Pictured above: Dad Meiks(Bill Paxton) believes he's an avenging angel sent on a divine mission to kill "demons" in FRAILTY. But there’s so much more to this movie, and the fact that you really never know where it’s heading is one of its main gifts. Plus, in the acting category, you’ve got Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe, and two fantastic child actors. It’s just amazing, thrilling, twisting & turning material that will literally keep you on the edge of your seat. I seriously, from the bottom of my heart, love this movie. You will too. I guarantee it. [REC] (2007)