Sean Penn was born on 17th August 1960 into a show business family. His mother is actress Eileen Ryan who, incidentally, has appeared in all three films directed by her son. His father Leo Penn appeared in numerous television shows and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era. As an actor Sean Penn came to prominence in his very first outing - Taps - but it was his stormy relationship and marriage to Madonna that initially kept him in the public eye. The marriage lasted from 1985 -1989. He remarried in 1996 to Robin Wright by whom he has two children and enjoys a much more stable relationship.
Penn has directed three films - The Indian Runner, The Crossing Guard and The Pledge. All show characters under stress. They signal Penn as being a director who wants to make films that are out of the ordinary. He has said that he wants to give up acting and be a Director but he is a fine actor and it will be interesting to note just how his career progresses. Since The Pledge he has returned to acting. Either way, Penn has a lot to offer.
The Pledge begins as a routine police investigation but ends in the madness of obsession. In Detective Jerry Black, Jack Nicholson has been provided with one of his finest roles. Jerry is on the verge of retirement when a call comes in. He is a good cop and wants to work out his last day rather than attend a party thrown in his honour. This sense of duty will eventually lead to his downfall.
The film has three distinct parts. The investigation of the murder is almost standard, if extremely well executed, police fare. It does, however, include a quite amazing scene when Jerry breaks the news to the parents of the dead girl and gives them a pledge to find the killer. The second part is where the obsession unfolds. Lots of strange things happen to Jerry. He has a sense of purpose and feelings are aroused that he hasn't felt in years offering the hope of happiness and redemption. The third and final part has none of the usual chases, climactic gunfights or dramatic confrontations. What is does have is much more compelling.
Cinematography is by Chris Menges. Menges is yet another top-notch British cinematographer. Keswick Film Club honoured him as part of its 2002 Festival when The Killing Fields was shown in tribute to his work. Menges has also been behind the camera for Kes, Local Hero and, most recently, Dirty Pretty Things and The Good Thief.
"..an outstanding performance from Jack Nicholson in a superb detective thriller" Peter Bradshaw, Guardian.
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