Watch The Sound and the Fury

The Sound and the Fury is a drama film released in 2014, directed by James Franco and based on William Faulkner's novel of the same name. The movie follows the Compson family, a prominent Southern family living in Mississippi that is dealing with the aftermath of their patriarch's death. The film features an all-star cast including James Franco, Tim Blake Nelson, and Scott Haze.

The story is told through the eyes of the Compsons' youngest son, Benjy (played by Jacob Loeb), a mentally challenged man who struggles to understand the events unfolding around him. The narrative travels back and forth in time and is divided into four parts, each told from the perspective of a different member of the family. The first part is told from Benjy's perspective, the second from Quentin's (played by Logan Marshall-Green), the third from Jason's (played by Tim Blake Nelson), and the fourth and final part from Dilsey's (played by Loretta Devine).

The film portrays the Compsons as a family struggling to come to terms with their own history and the legacy of their ancestors. The family's patriarch, Mr. Compson (played by Jim Parrack), has recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and dysfunction. His three sons, Benjy, Quentin, and Jason, are all struggling to find their place in the world and are haunted by the mistakes and sins of their past.

The film explores themes of family, guilt, and redemption. It delves into the complex relationships between family members and the impact of trauma on individuals and their relationships. The Sound and the Fury is a challenging film that requires close attention and active engagement from the viewer. The nonlinear narrative structure can be confusing at times, but those willing to invest the effort will be rewarded with a deeply moving and unforgettable experience.

The film is visually stunning, with gorgeous cinematography by Christina Voros that captures the beauty and tragedy of the Southern landscape. The performances are exceptional, particularly by James Franco, who not only directed the film but also stars as Benjy and delivers a powerful performance that captures the character's vulnerability and confusion.

Despite its challenging narrative structure and heavy themes, The Sound and the Fury is a deeply rewarding film that is worth the effort required to fully engage with it. It is a powerful portrait of a family struggling to come to terms with their past and find hope for the future, and is a testament to the enduring power of Faulkner's writing.

The Sound and the Fury is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9 and a MetaScore of 38.