Throw in enough symbolism to choke an English-lit major and you have a film challenge that too often feels like a chore.
The Burning Plain
Their passion has marked them for life.
2008 · 1h 51m · R
Crime, Drama, Romance
Directed by
Guillermo Arriaga
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The Burning Plain
Overview
A trailer is burning in the middle of a plain. The bodies of two adulterous lovers are found. Scenes from both families, before and after the dramatic events, suggest an unusual connection between them. But what is their secret?
Director and cast
- Guillermo Arriaga Director
- Charlize Theron as Sylvia / Mariana
- Kim Basinger as Gina
- Jennifer Lawrence as Young Mariana
- Joaquim de Almeida as Nick Martinez
- John Corbett as John
- Robin Tunney as Laura
- Fernanda Romero as Sophie
- Brett Cullen as Robert
- Danny Pino as Santiago Martinez
- José María Yázpik as Carlos Alarid
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
If Arriaga had allowed us to spend more time with the key characters in this extended tragedy, or had spent some time punching up the plot, The Burning Plain might have had a chance.
Possibly the stories fit too neatly. If so, it's hardly a fatal flaw.
It's serious stuff, intended for serious movie people. The only problem is, serious movie people have already been there, done that.
The result is confusion, not catharsis.
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