Bug

Bug
Starring Ashley Judd and Michael Shannon

Not really knowing what to expect with the intense psycho-drama, "Bug," I caught on quickly. First of all, it isn't a "normal" Hollywood film. With passionate dialogue, confined settings, limited characters and loads of character development, I knew "Bug" had to be based on a play. Sure enough, it was. The stage version also starred Michael Shannon as Peter Evans, and did very well in Chicago and New York City. However, without knowing that its an adapted movie, most people in the audience (which were the leftovers who didn't get a ticket to see "Pirates of the Caribbean") were confused and annoyed. With that in mind, let me tell you why "Bug" is the best film of the year (so far).

First off, the acting was beyond superb. Judd and Shannon gave the performances of a lifetime. Judd with her sweet Southern accent and scruffy looks went beyond the character of Agnes. She embraced her naivety, forlornness, and willingness to please, taking the character from being an unrealistic character to a very believable one. Her avidity to believe her new-found lover, Peter (Shannon), with all of his fantastic and extravagantly bizarre ideas, is a tough trait to overcome as an actor. Judd accomplishes this responsibility, giving Agnes congeniality and a strange kind of strength.

Michael Shannon, being just as worth of an Oscar as Judd, delivers a gut-wrenching, powerful performance. His take on Peter Evans surpasses many memorable characters in the past decade of roles. There are some actors who were born to play a character: Tom Hanks and Forrest Gump, Julia Roberts and Vivian Ward, Jim Carrey and Ace Ventura. The psychotic, twisted, insane character of Peter Evans in "Bug" is the role Shannon was destined to play. He nails it.

As for director William Friedkin ("The Exorcist"), he allows the audience to see and understand the insanity and corruptness of Evans' condition - whether there really are bugs in his system or if its part of his delusional/psychotic/schizophrenic self are yet to be determined, but Friedkin gives us a good battle of the wits as to what is actually going on. And it's not like it's a confusing battle - it's understandable, and one is allowed to feel compassionate and empathetic for Peter and Agnes.

"Bug" lets loose its incredible ferocity and is without a doubt a favorite for the year.

Grade: A