DEAD MAN WALKING
Susan Sarandon, Sean Penn
Gramercy Pictures; Directed by Tim Robbins
Rated R; 127 minutes; 1995
Sister Helen Prejean’s (Susan Sarandon) powerful true story of her encounter with the American death penalty begins when she honors a deceptively simple request—becoming a pen pal to a death row inmate. From there, the Roman Catholic Nun from middle-class Louisiana tries to delicately navigate the complex personal, ethical, and legal issues involved, balancing compassion for both the criminals and the people whose lives they destroy.
REVIEWS
"****A great film! Astonishing performances."
- Mike Clark, USA TODAY
"Guts pure and simple. A courageous and passionate drama."
- Janet Maslin, THE NEW YORK TIMES
"Sean Penn’s performance is awesome. Surely he’s among our few great film actors."
- Dennis Cunningham, CBS-TV
"**** Beautifully directed and acted from the first scene to last."
- Michael Wilmington, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"I can’t recommend it more strongly!"
- Gene Siskel, SISKEL & EBERT
"**** Sarandon gives a glorious performance. Acting rarely gets better than this!"
- Edward Guthmann, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
"**** Sean Penn gives the most riveting, selfless performance of his career."
- John Hartl, SEATTLE TIMES
"**** A taut, thought-provoking drama. Bound to be an Oscar® contender."
- Bob Healy, SATELLITE NEWS NETWORK
"**** Sarandon and Penn do great work. A strange and powerful relationship."
- Jack Mathews, NEWSDAY
"****A powerful experience. It will challenge you at every turn."
- Robert Butler, KANSAS CITY STAR
"**** An extraordinary film that takes viewers on an emotional journey."
- Carrie Richey, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
"**** Beautifully directed and acted from first scene to last. Deeply compassionate."
- Michael Wilmington, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
"**** Superb direction. Dramatic and thoughtful."
- Sarah Allen, OAKLAND TRIBUNE
"****A clear and certain film. Two of the gutsiest performances you’ll ever see."
- Howie Movshovitz, DENVER POST
"**** Sarandon brings electrifying conviction to her portrayal of Sister Helen Prejean."
- Bruce Williamson, PLAYBOY
"**** An extraordinary moving film. No one will walk away unmoved."
- Arthur Salm, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
"****A powerful and compelling film with Oscar® - caliber performances."
- Bob Fenster, ARIZONA REPUBLIC / PHOENIX GAZETTE
"**** I couldn’t get this movie out of my mind! A haunting and powerful film."
- Jeff Strickler, MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE
"****"
- Joe Baltake, SACRAMENTO BEE
ONE SHEET LINER
The most passionate actress of our time.
The most provocative actor of his generation.
The most remarkable story of the year.
AWARDS
1996 - 68TH ACADEMY AWARD® WINNER - Susan Sarandon, Best Actress
1996 - WINNER - Susan Sarandon, Best Actress - SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS
1996 - WINNER - Sean Penn, Best Actor - BERLIN FILM FESTIVAL