Sling Blade

Unforgettable for its tragedy, this unique film marks the directorial debut of screenwriter/actor Billy Bob Thornton who also plays the lead. Set in the Deep South and filmed with a pace that is as languid as a Southern summer day, the film begins as fully grown but child-like Karl Childers stares into a news reporter's camera and blandly recites the chilling story of his life and how he came to commit a shocking double homicide. The interview takes place outside the hospital for the criminally insane where the mentally retarded Karl has spent most of his life. Now due to budget cuts, he is being released with no place to go and little money. No one is worried that the violence will recur for Karl, though slow-witted, realises he did wrong and does not want to harm anyone.