The dramatic thriller Mystic River was extremely well-directed (by Clint Eastwood) and well acted by the entire cast.
The screenplay, written by Brian Helgeland, was based on the novel of the same name by Dennis Lehane.
The film was produced by Robert Lorentz, Judie G. Hoyt, and Eastwood.
It is the first film on which Eastwood was credited as composer of the score.
Opening to critical acclaim in October, Mystic River was nominated for six Oscars:
Oscar Nominations: 6
Best Picture
Director: Clint Eastwood
Screenplay (Adapted): Brian Helgeland
Best Actor: Sean Penn
Supporting Actor: Tim Robbins
Supporting Actress: Marcia Gay Harden
Oscar Awards: 2
Actor
Supporting Actor
Oscar Context:
Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, directed by Peter Jackson, swept most of the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
With Penn winning Best Actor and Robbins Best Supporting Actor, Mystic River became the first film to win both awards since Ben-Hur in 1959 (Charlton Heston and Hugh Griffith, respectively).
