Brooding on his Wyoming ranch, Einar Gilkyson (Robert
Redford) is a bitter man whose stubbornness seems to be the only thing that
keeps him going. Brooding over the tragic loss of his only son a decade
earlier, he’s a man whose life stopped on the fateful day and who
lost his wife, and nearly his home, because of his all-consuming grief. The
only one who’s stood by him through it all is Mitch (Morgan Freeman),
his loyal friend and co-worker. Their quiet lives are upset by the sudden
appearance of Einar’s daughter-in-law, Jean (Jennifer Lopez), and his
granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner), who are on the run from the latest in
a long line of abusive boyfriends. Reluctantly Einar allows them to stay,
an act that changes all of their lives profoundly.
As sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the
west, Jean falls for the town’s handsome and curiously single sheriff
(Josh Lucas), the loser on her tail shows up in town, and deep, dark
secrets she’s harbored for far too long come spilling out in a
torrent. This is a by-the-numbers-story if there ever was one, and director
Lasse Hallström wisely keeps things moving a brisk pace.
However, An Unfinished
Life is an actors’ showcase, and
the cast makes what could have been mundane worthwhile, thanks to earnest
performances. Redford has never been regarded as a great actor, but he is
doing some of his best work late in his career, playing flawed characters
forced to face their faults on their way to redemption. Freeman gives his
usual able support, playing the only character to see each situation
clearly and dispensing sage advice. Lopez reminds us that she is a solid
performer with decent range. And Gardner makes a worthy debut as the
wide-eyed little girl who proves the vehicle of salvation for all involved.
More than anything, An
Unfinished Life is the cinematic equivalent of
comfort food. Like a big pile of mashed potatoes and a slab of meatloaf, it
winds up being completely satisfying, even though it’s a meal
you’ve had hundreds of times. This film reaffirms the notion that
when bad things happen to good people, healing is possible and life can go
on.
This article appears in Sep 15-21, 2005.
