His character was such a tragic figure in the movie. He always put others before him and no one returned the favor. The type of guy who always listens to others even if the conversation bores him because he cares about them, who is always willing to help. And of course, everyone else just cared about their agenda and liked him only as long as he did what they wanted. Even his own brother didn't care about him and just tried to play him and use him for money. And in the end, Jacob realized he simply doesn't fit into this world, he never did and he's too old to turn it around or make it work. He has grown tired of leading an empty, unfulfilling life. He made peace with the fact he's not meant to find happiness and he made peace with the fact he doesn't want to live like that.
I really loved this movie. It had a Coen brothers feeling to it, sort of like "Fargo" or "Blood Simple". Billy Bob Thorton is really the only guy who could've pulled this part off well. That's no insult to him, he's great actor, I just mean he is great a playing off beat, quirky characters.
Great and underrated film. I remember seeing it when it first came out, not expecting too much, and being entirely transfixed for the entirety of the film.
This movie had it all. Comedy, suspense, superb acting, character development, and from a tech standpoint, the cinematography(including lighting, camera angles and such) was spot on. I know very little about the subject of cinematography itself, but I know a plain ole good movie when I see one and this one is definitely a "two timer"(what I call a film that deserves to be seen twice). RIP Bill Paxton.
billy bob is being so humble here, asp is one of the greatest films ever made and he was every bit as responsible for its lucidity, vision and lasting artistic value as anyone else. It's a perfect movie in every conceivable way, undeniably a grand masterpiece in the history of film making.
Fantastic Movie. Billy Bob's character Jacob is a symbol of humanity and frailty. Played so well by Billy Bob! All the characters inner most feelings and desires form their motives and plans as the drama unfolds. The ending is so sad and leaves lingering thought provoking questions
My heart breaks for the character he plays in this film. So many people like him in the world. The pieces never quite fit and they fade into oblivion. He was actually the only decent person (I felt) in the movie. The rest are just overcome by greed.
Damn good movie. Very truthful and almost a sucker punch for the viewer. Everyone tries to pretend they're happy with an ordinary life, that they don't care about money, etc., but deep inside, everyone hates the fact they're not one of the rich people. Everyone wants out. No one admits it out loud, because admitting it would mean feeling like a failure if it doesn't come true or admitting you're not happy with your current situation (which everyone hates to do). This movie explores very precisely and exactly how morals work and how people are. Most people pretend they're moral and upstanding and that they hate crooked politicians, criminals, etc. As soon as everyone gets an opportunity to get ahead by cheating, betraying someone however, most people do it. That's Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda. Then, there's the smaller group of people who really tries to stay true to their morals even when tempted. Usually, these people have some self-confidence issues, developmental issues and generally don't hold themselves in too high an esteem for one reason or another. As much as it's ugly and disheartening to admit, those who truly try to remain pure and not sell-out, etc. have some sort of psychological blocks, or issues. That's Billy Bob Thornton. I've experienced both types of people in my life on numerous occasions and while there is an occasional exception to the rule, this is mostly how it works. In general, people are full of shit and few lost causes out there try to be saints even though it means very little or nothing in the grand scheme of things.
Jacob: "Make it look like the bad guys did it, Hank." Hank:) "What? Come on. We're almost home." Jacob: "I'm tired, Hank. And -- and I don't care. It's okay with me. I'm not -- I'm not afraid." Hank: "No, Jacob." Jacob: "I'm not afraid. It's perfect." Hank: "Stop that, Jacob." Jacob: "It's -- it's perfect." This film is so well written to begin with and then you add the talents of everyone involved. Doesn't get much better.
He maybe lacks some social skills, maybe on the autistic spectrum but in the movie he reads things that Hank hasn't ever processed, implying he's smarter. Hank was very naive but wouldn't describe Jakob as disabled. Just seemed like a lonely guy with not a lot in the way of prospects or a relationship. But as the movie shows they all had so much more at the beginning of the film than they do at the end.
Watch Billy Bob on Inside Actors Studio interview and he changes characters a few times it seems. To be a good character actor, it takes a bit of mental gymnastics most are not privy to be able to do.
Great movie and excellent performances from all four principals. Watching it again recently though, one thing really bothered me about the plot. Why does Hank take his brother along when he goes back to the plane to return some of the money? He says 'I need a look-out' but does he really? Just doesn't make sense. It's a very important scene because it sets things in motion.
I can point out one of the attributes that belong to a great actor. Its when you watch the movie and only after that you find out that this strange simpleton guy is Fucking Bill Bob Thornton! When I saw Fargo first season, I was just like "What? It was Thornton all the time??"
How is it over halfway through 2020 and I just now saw this tremendous film??? Goddamn, why didn't somebody tell me? Though while karmically it was probably the only way to save himself, I'll just say I don't think Paxton had to do what he did at the end...I suppose it's okay to spoil a movie made over 20 years ago, I'll leave it at he could have kept it.
