GALVESTON

Michael Kramer narrates in a flat, remote tone, a clear decision on his part to emphasize the noirish tone of Pizzolatto’s novel about a hard man who unexpectedly finds himself with altruistic feelings toward a troubled young woman. And certainly no one can fault Kramer for that choice—or with anything at all about his intelligent and nuanced performance. The question is really larger than the performance, and that is whether noir has reached the point of cliché. That, of course, is a personal choice. If yes, then Kramer’s detached air will be immediately grating. If no, then sit back and enjoy a gifted actor. M.O. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2010]