Entering the theater, the audience did not know what to expect of this small, low-budget film with a rather ambiguous title. Leaving, the crowd felt just as dazed, but with a newfound sense of awareness and appreciation for their surroundings and circumstances. Additionally, the title became a bit more comprehensible, but a shadow of irony loomed over it. "Levity" is the ambitious directorial debut of screenwriter Ed Solomon ("Men In Black"), starring skilled actors Billy Bob Thornton, Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter and Kirsten Dunst.In "Levity," Manual Jordan (Thornton) is released from jail after being incarcerated for 22 years. Scared and unsure about leaving the place he has remained his entire adult life, Jordan is thrust back into the cruel, tough world that fostered his life of crime at an early age. A montage of characters float in and out of his life upon his return - some friendly, some confused, some loving and some desperate. Jordan slowly begins to reclaim his identity, while at the same time becoming a source of solace and support to those around him. When he begins to fall in love with a lonely, single mother (Hunter), and befriends a troubled teenage girl (Dunst), life gets more complicated. Ultimately, these experiences develop into enlightening, necessary occurrences for all involved.

The cinematography was the richest part of this film. Acclaimed Director of Photography, Roger Deakins who has worked on masterpieces such as "The Shawshank Redemption," "Fargo" and "A Beautiful Mind," brought an eerily hazy quality to "Levity," which fit the narrative perfectly. The camera angles and shots were simple and beautiful, always luring the audience in. The cinematography is especially precise in a particular scene where Jordan meets pastor Miles Evans (Freeman) outside an urban community center on a dark, snowy night. The utilization of shadows - as well as contrasting colors and images - gives the picture a morose, tangible feel.

Complementing the cinematography was the superb acting in multifaceted and difficult roles. Although the men were good in "Levity," the women stole the screen. Kirsten Dunst stood out as the youngest of the thespians at 21 years, in the part of the vulnerable, misguided Sofia, who only wants to be loved and appreciated. Proving her acting abilities in past films, including "The Virgin Suicides," and "Spider-Man," Dunst has a long, exciting career ahead of her.

Furthermore, after taking a break from movies since 2000, Holly Hunter is back and at her best. The versatile actress claims her role as Adele Easley, a struggling mother with a teenage son in the inner city, with graceful vigor and intensity. It is a pleasure watching these talented women, as well as Thornton and Freeman, outside of the big blockbuster hits in this unique film. Solomon's first time as director proves to be a success, and hopefully he will continue this endeavor in the future.

Admittedly, "Levity" is a slow-paced movie. At first this may seem a nuisance to the "Fast food/Internet" generation, but sit back, relax, and enjoy the two hours of quiet continuity. It is a solid film that will make you think.

"Levity" opens Friday in select theatres.