Μύ Perhaps one of the most bonkers films of 2007 was Black Snake Moan, the story of a man who sings the blues (Sam L Jackson) and of the nymphomaniac chained to his radiator (Christina Ricci). This was a bold career move by writer/director Craig Brewer who made his name with 2005 drama Hustle & Flow. While it was warmly received by some critics, it slithered by unnoticed at the box office.
Black And White
"It's not to be taken completely literally," insists producer Stephanie Allain in a defensive 'Making Of' featurette. "We're goosing it a little bit," adds Brewer, although Jackson appears to take the whole thing very seriously indeed. He talks about the film as an important piece of "Americana" which blends typically bluesy Southern themes i.e. sex, the devil and God. "I got it immediately," says Ricci, while exec producer (and fellow director) John Singleton admits to being a little wary of the project initially. Ultimately he concludes that Brewer is "a sick genius."
Connoisseurs of blues music will surely get a kick out of another featurette that eavesdrops on the recording of the film soundtrack. Scott Bomar and Charles 'Skip' Pitts (who did the famous 'wah-wah' bit on Isaac Hayes' theme tune for Shaft) are among the musicians who pile into the studio and do their 'thang'.
There's a separate focus on the titular song Black Snake Moan, which Brewer tells us was written by a blind musician (Blind Lemon Jefferson) who was actually singing about his fear of the dark. Brewer talks about adapting this mournful tune to fit within the film, including a breakdown of how he shot and edited the scene to reflect the inner turmoil of Ray (Ricci's character). He admits to obsessing over the form and editor Billy Fox remarks, "We treated it very much like an opera."
Snake Charmers
The most engaging of five deleted scenes offers an intimate glimpse into the relationship between Ray and her soldier boyfriend Ronnie (Justin Timberlake). It's a tender moment that unfolds in a bathroom as she helps him get through a severe panic attack (with no sex involved remarkably). In the accompanying commentary, Brewer explains that he too suffers from panic attacks and drew inspiration from the relationship he has with his other half. We can only hope Ray's tendency to hump everything that moves is an elaboration on real life.
In his commentary for the film, Brewer talks more about his writing process and how the music of the Deep South inspires his work. He wasn't averse to taking notes from the actors either. He describes how Jackson politely challenged him on the set ("Well, you wanna ask what I think?") and convinced him to change the 'beats' for the scene where Lazarus is introduced. Brewer also reflects on fond memories of Ricci's audition when she turned up wearing a tiny pair of shorts...
A photo gallery completes the extras menu. Altogether cast and crew paint an interesting picture of intention - even for those of us unconvinced by the final product. That said, if you're a diehard fan of blues music (or promiscuous girls in small pants), then this DVD edition of Black Snake Moan might just rub you up the right way.
EXTRA FEATURES
Black Snake Moan DVD is released on Monday 17th September 2007.
