Ugly redemption

Black Snake Moan is a filthy film about the gospel | Harrison Scott Key

Black Snake Moan (rated R for graphic sexuality and language) is an odd film. The movie's previews promise an unusual paradox: A gray-headed black man tugs on a steel chain around some trashy white nymph, all the while talking of God.

Lazarus (Samuel Jackson), a notorious but forgotten bluesman, finds Rae (Christina Ricci), the notorious town harlot, beaten unconscious on the road near his farm. Lazarus proclaims to her: "God seen fit to put you in my path, and I aim to cure you of your wickedness." As the narrative unfolds, two very stark realities belt the viewer back into his seat. First, this film is filthy. Second, this film is about the gospel.

Most of the characters let foul language fly as casually as spit from the sides of their mouths. Animal sexuality is gratuitous and plagues the film. Rae wears it in her clothes, in her eyes, in everything she touches, and the film does not hide it.