Released 1997
Stars Martha Plimpton, Kevin Anderson, Hal Holbrook, Nick Stahl, Mary Kay Place
Directed by Tim Blake Nelson

Does God keep watch over Kingfisher, Oklahoma or is this desolate little oil-busted town as godforsaken as it appears? First-time filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson makes no bones about his concerns in this bleak Bible Belt portrait, a story he adapted from his own stage play. Strong and haunting performances sustain this structurally unconventional narrative that dovetails two distinct storylines and several time frames. The film's fragmented narrative structure helps create a spare, stripped-down feel and fosters unmet expectations that Nelson's mysterious storytelling tricks will yield to ultimate cohesion once the elements finally converge. Despite the fact that the film's whole never quite equals its parts, Eye of God provides a fascinating ride and evocative glimpses of ordinary people in the throes of crisis.

One storyline has to do with troubled youth Tom Spencer, who is found one night covered in blood and wandering aimlessly down a country road. He has witnessed a crime of such brutality that he cannot speak, not even to the kindly sheriff played by Hal Holbrook (whose voiceover about the meaning of the story of Abraham and Isaac opens the film). The film's other story focuses on Ainsley, a young woman who marries her prison pen pal Jack following a quick courtship upon his release. Sweet and trusting, the solitary Ainsley (Martha Plimpton) is swayed by the tenderness and devout sincerity of reborn Christian Jack.

Plimpton is at her finest here, forgoing her usual street savvy persona for this characterization of a sweet, dim daughter of the heartland. The film's supporting characters are all memorable too, flush with small details and regional specificity.

Summary by Marjorie Baumgarten