The Claim (R, 2001)

Set in late 1800s in California, THE CLAIM is an unsparing look at greed, sin, and forgiveness. Its setting is as grim as the story it tells, with gray clouds and snowdrifts permeating practically every scene. At the movie's center is Dillon (Peter Mullen), who made a fortune in the gold rush and now owns most of the town of Kingdom Come. When a railroad surveyor comes to town Dillon sees a new opportunity and sets out to convince the company to put Kingdom Come on the railroad line. But when a beautiful woman and her daughter arrive in town, Dillon is in jeopardy of losing all he's worked so hard for. The women's presence forces Dillon to realize that the ambition and hard work that have taken over his life have come to nothing, leaving him a wealthy man in a desolate town not worth living in.

British actor Peter Mullen gives an excellent performance and the other actors are as capable, especially Sarah Polley, but the story gives them less to do. In fact, some of their stories seem to have been truncated, as if the filmmakers decided in the editing process to concentrate solely on Mr. Dillon's character.

The epic photography of this harsh land is quite beautiful, as is the majestic yet troubling score by Michael Nyman (The Piano). But the movie's overall bleakness, while appropriate to its themes, makes it unlikely to appeal to a broad range of viewers. It's certainly not recommended for teens, except perhaps those with an interest in Thomas Hardy, from whose novel The Mayor of Casterbridge, this was loosely adapted.

Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Michael Winterbottom
Cast: Milla Jovovich, Nastassja Kinski, Sarah Polley
Genre: Drama
Run time: 121 minutes
Theatrical release: December 26, 2001
DVD release: December 26, 2001
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: sexuality and some language and violence