- Actors: Billy Bob Thornton, Molly Ringwald, J.T. Walsh, Jefferson Mays, Suzanne Cryer
- Directors: George Hickenlooper
- Writers: Billy Bob Thornton
- Format: Black & White, Color, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, NTSC, Import
- Language: English
- Region: (US and Canada This DVD will probably NOT be viewable in other countries. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Number of discs: 1
- MPAA Rating:
- Studio: Paradox
- Release Date: Oct 1 2002
- Run Time: 25 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00005UO7F
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon.com
Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade is the short film on which Billy Bob Thornton based Sling Blade (and the reason Thornton was awarded the best adapted--not best original--screenplay). The film is essentially the opening scenes of Sling Blade, in which Thornton's character, Karl Childers, is shown about to leave the mental hospital, intoning his account of his youthful crime to a naive reporter writing about his release. While the screenplay here is virtually the same as the corresponding part of the longer film, this film leaves a lingering chilling feeling. Unlike Sling Blade, which allows the audience to see Karl's innate goodness, this version ends at the end of the interview, when the reporter (here played by Molly Ringwald) is left stunned at the horrors she's just heard, and she (and the audience) have no real idea if Karl is someone who should be turned loose or not. Fans of Sling Blade owe it to themselves to see this version, too--focusing on its far darker sensibility adds to the appreciation of the work it would later become. (Historic footnote: unlike Sling Blade, Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade was directed by George Hickenlooper, codirector of the acclaimed documentary Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse, who was none too happy when the media attention over Sling Blade virtually ignored his contributions to the original film.) --Anne Hurley
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
Should have been an added bonus to the movie DVD
May 2 2004
Format:DVD
Should have been an added bonus to the movie DVD, not a seperate DVD. Not really worth buying as it is almost the identical dialogue from the movie, except in black and white. This original short is interesting, maybe worth renting, but I think it should have been put on the movie's DVD as a bonus feature...
Some Folks Call it an Acting Reel
Aug 20 2002
Format:DVD
Director George Hickenlooper shows us his all, including a short film entitled Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade.
The film is a dark black & white depiction of Billy Bob Thorton's "Karl" whom Thorton developed while looking at his reflection with time on his hands, then later brought to life on stage with one-man shows.
In collaboration with Billy, Hickenlooper hoped to use this film as a springboard to making a feature film (which of course happened - Sling Blade). But that's where the off-stage drama begins.
Besides being a great short film and a "hoot," if you will, being the first incarnation of our beloved "Karl" (those whom have seen Sling Blade know what I mean, those whom haven't, order both films), this DVD contains an extensive director-ography of Hickenlooper, and the reason he ultimately declined to work on the feature film Sling Blade.
It shows a different side of Thorton - albeit hearsay, but interesting at any rate. I still love the man because he has a band.
But one thing struck me as quite ironic - while filming Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade, Hickenlooper didn't like the idea of Thorton doing his monologue as a close-up, and felt Thorton wanted it that way so he could use the film as an 'acting reel' to get more film parts.
But amidst the DVD segment where he says this - "The Evolution of Sling Blade," Hickenlooper showcases his own material, citing every film he's directed (involving Billy Bob or not), with very extensive clips.
Who's acting reel?
But ironic or not, this is a great short film that stands on its own. I just wish I saw it before I saw Sling Blade. Not so much the same impact, I reckon.
Some Folks Call it an Acting Reel
Aug 20 2002
Format:DVD
Director George Hickenlooper shows us his all, including a short film entitled Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade.
The film is a dark black & white depiction of Billy Bob Thorton's "Karl" whom Thorton developed while looking at his reflection with time on his hands, then later brought to life on stage with one-man shows.
In collaboration with Billy, Hickenlooper hoped to use this film as a springboard to making a feature film (which of course happened - Sling Blade). But that's where the off-stage drama begins.
Besides being a great short film and a "hoot," if you will, being the first incarnation of our beloved "Karl" (those whom have seen Sling Blade know what I mean, those whom haven't, order both films), This DVD contains an extensive director-ography of Hickenlooper, and the reason he ultimately declined to work on the feature film Sling Blade.
It shows a different side of Thorton - albeit hearsay, but interesting at any rate. I still love the man because he has a band.
But one thing struck me as quite ironic - while filming Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade, Hickenlooper didn't like the idea of Thorton doing his monologue as a close-up, and felt Thorton wanted it that way so he could use the film as an 'acting reel' to get more film parts.
But amidst the DVD segment where he says this - "The Evolution of Sling Blade," Hickenlooper showcases his own material, citing every film he's directed (involving Billy Bob or not), with very extensive clips.
Who's acting reel?
But ironic or not, this is a great short film that stands on its own. I just wish I saw it before I saw Sling Blade. Not so much the same impact, I reckon.
Want to see more reviews on this item?
Most recent customer reviews
Some Folks Call it an Acting Reel
Director George Hickenlooper shows us his all, including a short film entitled Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade. Read more
Published on Aug 20 2002 by John Neil
Short but Expensive
This independent short is essentially a b&w of the opening sequence of Sling Blade. The late JT Walsh is here, and Molly Ringwold will be recognized as the reporter interviewing... Read more
Published on May 1 2002 by jetmonkey
a real thinker with a great twist at the end
i love this movie if you like any of billy bobs work this is one you have got to see. billy goes beyond acting in this role. Read more
Published on Dec 27 2001
Exquisitely dark...
This original version is far superior to the full length release. Thornton is exceptional in both... Read more
Published on Oct 17 1999
if you enjoyed the movie, this short gives insight
when i saw 'slingblade' for the first time, i was totally knocked out. i wondered how one man, b.b. thorton, could put together a film that is so multi-faceted. Read more
Published on Aug 2 1999
A movie in it's own !!!
This is a must for any Independent film maker. This is a great way to see how you can have a great story and do a Low budget short and show how much of an impact even a short can... Read more
Published on April 7 1999 by agee@indiebuy.com
powerfull!!!!!!!!!!!!
yes yes yes yes ye
Published on Mar 12 1999
great
RAW acting at it's best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published on Dec 2 1998
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