The Crucible: Frenetic Judgement

   The Crucible (1996) is a well-crafted production, rife with a gang of frenzied female teens and puritanical sexual tension. Arthur Miller's play, set in Salem in the 1690's, was a direct response to Senator Joseph McCarthy's own misguided "witch hunt" of the 1950's, via the House Un-American Activities Committee.
   Winona Ryder (who hardcore rocks it as the sneaky Abigail Williams) and Daniel Day-Lewis head the cast, which includes Joan Allen, Jeffrey Jones, Paul Scofield and Bruce Davison. One of the stand-out performances is by Karron Graves as Mary Warren, who takes desperately frantic to a whole new level.
   Miller beautifully adapted his play for this film and was nominated for an Academy Award. Joan Allen also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The Crucible is on Indieplex at 7:50p tonight.