Violence. It comes in many shapes and sizes. However, for a group of innocent Los Angeles diners, one random act will change the way each lives and values their life. With friends and family trying to relate and understand, the surviving members must learn to cope with the trauma in their own way. They must take their own path to recovery and grow to accept the events and regain a sense of trust in the people around them. For in the end, it is the world's chaotic behavior that reminds us of who we are and what we hold dear in our lives.
Featuring an ensemble full of talent, Rowan Wood's Fragments is a film that explores the complicated progression of tragedy, sorrow, hope and recovery. It is powerful beyond words, creating a dark and somber tone that sits in the pit of your stomach, begging for an early release. But as you sit and witness the quickly evolving maturity of all those involved, your heart screams out, wanting nothing more than an understanding for how and why the world works as it does.
Going against stereotype, Dakota Fanning brings one of her most complex and unnatural characters to the screen in Anne Hagen, a surviving member of the brutal massacre. Though a small piece of the puzzle that comprises the film, Fanning upstages all those around her, giving, without a doubt, the performance of her young career. Her delivery, hesitant and remote, sends chills up your spine as she becomes a sudden believer in God, using her father's murder to influence all those around her.
Forrest Whitaker, a well-deserving Oscar winner, also turns in a strong, emotional performance as Charlie Archenault, a man struggling to come to grips with what has become his future. His reaction to the events is anything but expected, making you underrate his subplot until the final minutes.
Throw in some additional work by Kate Beckinsale, Guy Pearce, Embeth Davidtz, Troy Garity, Jackie Earle Haley, Jennifer Hudson, Josh Hutcherson, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Walter Goggins and Hayley McFarland, and the film couldn't feature a more complete ensemble. The chemistry between all parties is undeniable as they mesh together fluidly, creating a concise, uninterrupted flow for the many subplots which comprise the one large story.
Additionally I want to compliment the film's editor, Meg Reticker. With nearly four different stories, all of which break off into completely separate directions, it is a wonder that the film made any sense at all. However, Reticker not only made the story cohesive and entertaining, but allowed just enough information to escape without giving away the breathtaking final scene. It is a fine line that must be drawn when dealing with sensitive subject matter such as this; thankfully Reticker got it right, improving the film ten-fold through her overlooked skill.
All in all, I found myself moved by this little film with all the big stars. The story, complete with emotion, trauma and self discovery, is unlike anything I have experienced so far this year. The characters, real in nearly every capacity, trigger a connection that is hard to come by, no matter the film. As a result, Fragment is a fantastic feature; one that must be handled with care. Much can be learned from its indirect look at gun violence, but in the end, it proves to be the characters that deserve the most attention.
*Fragments is being released theatrically in New York City only. However, it will be released on DVD August 4, 2009 Nationwide.
