The Paperboy follows Jack as he helps his journalist brother Ward try to save death row inmate Van Wetter from execution. They are accompanied by Yardley, Ward's black colleague whose sarcasm challenges the racist town. Charlotte Bless, an emotionally damaged woman who writes letters to Van Wetter, becomes infatuated with Jack. The film probes issues of family, sex, and racism in 1960s Florida in a darkly comic and gritty style that demands an emotional reaction from viewers. Kidman's performance as Charlotte is convincing as she portrays the character's vulnerability and unique morality. The Paperboy provides a raw and provocative look at human relationships through its sweat-soaked portrayal of the swamp lands that grips

1. THE
PAPERBOY
Words by Louise
Fisher
Gritty, gripping and evocative:a darkly comical thriller with plenty of sweat. This film
doesn’t hope for a reaction, it demands one.
Probing at issues of family, sex and racism in1960s Florida, Lee Daniels’ adaptation of Pete
Dexter’s novel does not disappoint. The story follows ‘Paperboy,’ Jack (Efron), as he offers
to help his journalist brother, Ward (McConaughey), save inmate Van Wetter (Cusack) from
the electric chair.
Accompanied by Yardley (Oyelowo), his black colleague whose clipped tones and eloquent
sarcasm act as a slap in the face to the town’s people, Ward embarks on a mission of justice
whilst battling his own inner demons. Added to the mix is Charlotte Bless (Kidman) - an
emotionally damaged, dysfunctional woman who writes steamy letters to Van Wetter. Jack
becomes infatuated with Charlotte who brazenly flirts, but refuses to satisfy his lust.
Sassy maid Anita (Macy Gray) offers Jack the maternal support he craves. The affectionate
bickering between these two is so natural it instils an honest, believable quality to their
relationship, which we failed to find in ‘The Help’.
Kidman is convincing and strong throughout, reminding us what she’s made of after her
more contrived efforts in The Stepford Wives and Moulin Rouge. Even when squatting over
Efron in the controversial peeing scene or writhing around on a chair for her sadistic lover,
Kidman manages to portray the vulnerability and sense of unique morality this character
possesses.
The music is cleverly chosen and supports the tone of each scene, one minute thrilling and
tense, the next off-beat and quirky. Bubbling below the surface, Daniels reveals a seedy
undercurrent of desire, frustration and denial. The result is violent outbursts, closely shot for
maximum impact.
Although a lack of fluidity and patchy narration can make this a somewhat dis-jointed watch,
The Paperboy remains a raw, provocative account of human relationships that immerses
you in the sweat soaked swamp lands and grips you from beginning to end.
END