Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town.Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town.Karl Childers, a simple man hospitalized since his childhood murder of his mother and her lover, is released to start a new life in a small town.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 14 wins & 15 nominations total
Christine Renee Ward
- Melinda
- (as Christy Ward)
Bruce Hampton
- Morris
- (as Col. Bruce Hampton Ret.)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaBilly Wilder once told Billy Bob Thornton that he was "too ugly" to be an actor, and that he should write a screenplay for himself, where he could exploit his "less than perfect" features. After this movie launched Thornton's career, he publicly discussed his conversation with Wilder, which was at a cocktail party where he was working as a waiter. He got a call from Wilder, who invited him over to his house. Wilder said he didn't recall their conversation, but was glad that he heeded his advice. As a gift, Wilder gave Thornton a paperback copy of this movie's script with his autograph, and a personal message inscribed on it.
- GoofsWhen Karl is at the Frostee Cream, if you look at the menu, you can see Blizzard's, Peanut Buster's and a DQ Sandwich on the menu board which would indicate that the movie was filmed at a Dairy Queen.
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits start about 18 minutes into the film.
- Alternate versionsThe Director's Cut runs 12 minutes longer than the original theatrical releases.
- SoundtracksThe One I Love
(instrumental)
Written by Ali Jennings and Daniel Lanois
Performed by Ali Jennings
Courtesy of Daniel Lanois, Ali Jennings Songs/Socan, Daniel Lanois Songs/Socan
Featured review
A magnificent film! Watching Billy Bob, I was reminded of Bo Radley (Robert Duvall)in To Kill a Mockingbird. The irony of seeing Duvall in Sling Blade made it that much more rewarding. Yes, it's true, the ending was inevitable, but so what? The journey to the end was what made this film the gem that it is. Dwight Yoakam made my skin crawl, and Lucas Black as little Frank brought out my motherhood instinct. Protect that boy, Karl! And he did. This had all the elements of a great film: an unselfish hero who brings about changes in the lives of others in a meaningful way. Granted, had his mental capabilities been greater he might have made another choice. Given the circumstances of the film, there was no other choice.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- Resplandor en la noche
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $24,444,121
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $28,139
- Dec 1, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $24,444,121
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