An Unfinished Life
"An Unfinished Life" takes place on a rundown ranch outside Ishawooa, Wyoming. A place that has seen better days, for all involved: The owner, Einar Gilkyson (Redford), and his longtime ranch hand, Mitch (Morgan Freeman), live, respectively, in the main house and the little house out back. Mitch was mauled by a bear a year ago, and is now an invalid. As such he is cared for by Einar, who gives him a daily injection of morphine.
Death, then, is their lives.
One day, though, they have a visitor: Jean (Jennifer Lopez), who is the widow of Einar's son, who was killed in a car crash more than a dozen years before. She has brought Einar his granddaughter, Griff (Becca Gardner).
Einar thinks he hates Jean. But then again, he thinks he hates everything and everyone. Of course, he really doesn't, and in time he comes to embrace his grandchild, along with her mother.
Meanwhile, Jean doesn't really want to be on the ranch, but she has no choice: Her latest boyfriend, Gary (Damien Lewis), beats her, and the only place she can find sanctuary is with Einar and Mitch, who, somewhat predictably, is the embodiment of good for miles around.
And speaking of morals and ethics, there is the local sheriff, played by Josh Lucas, who doesn't mind a stranger in town, especially if she happens to be good-looking.
What basically sets "An Unfinished Life" apart from previous Robert Redford films and movies is that this time Redford actually acts. He actually acts. He puts aside all pretension and ego, allows true humility to show, and demonstrates what he has been capable of for all these many years, subsequently, producing a performance that could easily make his legacy as an actor.
Then there is Morgan Freeman. Perhaps, as a consummate actor, he recognizes this acting opportunity for Redford is the one he has long needed to validate his talent. Which is why he doesn't do much on screen, instead allowing Redford to do what needs to be done.
I won't reveal too many details with regards to what follows. Suffice it to say you can probably guess what happens to the bear and you just know what will happen to Gary, even though you may never have been in an abusive relationship like the one Jean was in.
I will say this: The unfinished life referenced in the title of the film may seem, initially, to
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