Search - Some Folks Call It a Sling Blade on DVD

Should have been an added bonus to the movie DVD

Scott Ulrich | Cincinnati, OH United States | 05/02/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Should have been an added bonus to the movie DVD, not a seperate DVD. Not really worth buying as it is almost the identical dialogue from the movie, except in black and white. This original short is interesting, maybe worth renting, but I think it should have been put on the movie's DVD as a bonus feature..."

Some Folks Call it an Acting Reel

John Neil | Grand Rapids, MI United States | 08/20/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Director George Hickenlooper shows us his all, including a short film entitled Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade.The film is a dark black & white depiction of Billy Bob Thorton's "Karl" whom Thorton developed while looking at his reflection with time on his hands, then later brought to life on stage with one-man shows. In collaboration with Billy, Hickenlooper hoped to use this film as a springboard to making a feature film (which of course happened - Sling Blade). But that's where the off-stage drama begins.Besides being a great short film and a "hoot," if you will, being the first incarnation of our beloved "Karl" (those whom have seen Sling Blade know what I mean, those whom haven't, order both films), This DVD contains an extensive director-ography of Hickenlooper, and the reason he ultimately declined to work on the feature film Sling Blade.It shows a different side of Thorton - albeit hearsay, but interesting at any rate. I still love the man because he has a band. But one thing struck me as quite ironic - while filming Some Folks Call it a Sling Blade, Hickenlooper didn't like the idea of doing Thorton doing his monologue as a close-up, and felt Thorton wanted it that way so he could use the film as an 'acting reel' to get more film parts.But amidst the DVD segment where he says this - "The Evolution of Sling Blade," Hickenlooper showcases his own material, citing every film he's directed (involving Billy Bob or not), with very extensive clips.Who's acting reel?But ironic or not, this is a great short film that stands on its own. I just wish I saw it before I saw Sling Blade. Not so much the same impact, I reckon."

Short but Expensive

jetmonkey | Leonardtown, Maryland United States | 05/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This independent short is essentially a b&w of the opening sequence of Sling Blade. The late JT Walsh is here, and Molly Ringwold will be recognized as the reporter interviewing Billy Bob Thorton's Karl in this version. Very good except for the price. Director George Hickenlooper takes potshots at Thorton in the Bonus Features. Recommended for people who really like Sling Blade, but again, they are selling it at full price."

If you enjoyed the movie, this short gives insight

jetmonkey | 08/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"when i saw 'slingblade' for the first time, i was totally knocked out. i wondered how one man, b.b. thorton, could put together a film that is so multi-faceted. having grown up in the midwest, everything about the movie struck a chord in me and when i found that this short was available, i grabbed it! it is well worth the price and will give you some insight as to how thorton created the character of karl childers. highly recommended!"