Karl Childers, a mentally disabled man, has been in the custody of the state mental hospital since the age of 12 for killing his mother and her lover. Although thoroughly institutionalized, he is deemed fit to be released into the outside world.
Acting
Thornton's transformation is physically unrecognizable and heartbreaking.
Writing
"French-fried potaters" and other dialogue that shouldn't work but absolutely does.
Direction
Thornton trusts silence more than most actors trust their lines.
Director
Billy Bob Thornton
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Thornton wrote the screenplay in 1986; the 'simple man' monologue was his real-life neighbor. He gained 45 pounds and stayed in character off-set.
The film revived interest in Southern Gothic cinema and launched Thornton's directing career—John Ritter's dramatic turn also shattered his sitcom image before his death.
US
