Gerald Wright's Movie Coverage
GARDENS OF THE NIGHT MOVIE REVIEW
Directed by: Damian Harris
Running time: 1 hr. 50 mins.
Release date: November 7, 2008 (Limited)
Genre: Drama
Distributor: City Lights Media Group
MPAA Rating: R
This sensitive and horrific story explores the world of child sexual abuse, kidnapping and the destruction of all life connected to the victims.
Teenage Leslie (Gillian Jacobs) and her bestfriend from childhood Donnie (Evan Ross) are streethustlers. These two young people are force into the world of prostitution and stealing by a way of a disturbing past, which is used in flashback scenes setting up the backstory.
Gillian Jacobs portrays Leslie's interpersonal dynamics within her interview with social worker Michael (John Malkovich) . Leslie reflects on her abduction via trickery by Alex (Tom Arnold). Alex and his accomplice Frank (Kevin Zegers) are pedophiles who grab her and placed her with young Donnie when she was 8 years old. The movie gives a raw look at the devilish environment these children endure as their abductors confine them to lock rooms. Victimized by means of deception, this film gives chilling profiles of young Leslie and Donnie portrayed by talented Ryan Simpkins and Jermaine "Scooter" Smith, who give amazing performances as they create a bond with each other. They manage to escape into a fantasy world of make believe to find peace. What's more amazing is the brilliant performance Tom Arnold gives as a sexual predator. He masters the characteristics of using manipulation of the innocent by showering young Leslie with attention, gaining her trust and becoming her friend.
In an interview with Tom Arnold, he explained to me how his performance drained him but gave him a feeling of relief in bringing this character and story to life. This is a personal project for Tom Arnold, a victim of child abuse.
Numbers of sexual predators in the U.S. are increasing each year and fewer than 5% of these child molesters are caught. The term "pedophilia" has a range of definitions as found in in psychology, law enforcement, and the popular vernacular. As a medical diagnosis, it is defined as a psychological disorder in which an adult experiences a sexual preference for prepubescent children. In the common usage, the term refers to any adult who is sexually attracted to children or who sexually abuses a child.
Director Damian Harris brings the movie around full circle to contemporary San Diego where Leslie and Donnie are working the streets as hookers and thieves. Gillian Jacobs and Evan Ross ignite the screen with their performances of genuine true life situations only seen on the real streets. As a fictional narrative this film has all the makings of a documentary, if it was about real life people.
This is a must see film for adults only. The theme and content of this movie in my opinion may confuse very young minds and perhaps spread unnecessary paranoia with immature viewers. However, while watching the magnificent performances by this cast, I was very impressed.
FILM RATING (B)
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