Black Snake Moan is a 2006 American film written and directed by Craig Brewer and starring Christina Ricci, Samuel L. Jackson, and Justin Timberlake. The title of the film derives from the 1927 Blind Lemon Jefferson song. The film draws numerous references to the Mississippi Blues movement, particularly in its title and soundtrack. For the film, Jackson spent six or seven hours a day for half a year learning how to play the blues guitar for several songs he plays throughout the film. Ricci wore an actual 40-pound (18 kg) chain during filming and ate only foods of no nutritional value to achieve a sickly appearance. She told Entertainment Weekly that she remained scantily clad even when the cameras were not rolling.

SYNOPSIS:
A deeply religious farmer and former blues guitarist, Lazarus, discovers Rae, a young woman with a troubled past, beaten and abandoned on the side of the road. As Lazarus nurses her back to health, he chains her to a radiator, believing it’s his duty to help her overcome her self-destructive behavior. Over time, an unexpected bond forms between them. When Rae’s boyfriend, Ronnie, returns from military service and confronts the situation, the trio must navigate their complex emotions to find redemption and healing in their turbulent lives.

DIRECTOR: Craig Brewer
PRODUCERS: Stephanie Allain, John Singleton
SCREENWRITER: Craig Brewer
ROLE: Justin Timberlake as Ronnie Morgan
OTHER CAST: Christina Ricci, Samuel L. Jackson, S. Epatha Merkerson
GENRES: Drama, Music
RELEASE DATES: March 2, 2007 (Theaters)
RUNTIME: 1 hour 56 minutes
LINKS: IMDB // WIKIPEDIA