I was intensely moved by this film, which I viewed during a preview screening in San Diego.
The composition of the scenes, dark exposures, extreme close-ups, surreal techniques of distortions of focus and viewpoints, saturated and washed out colors, superb acting, and moralistic conflicts between the angels and demons within the humanity that haunts so many, left me transfixed and absorbed by this highly charged and complex production.
I was also aware that this may not appeal to mass audiences who expect plot and action to move at a faster pace, with fewer complexities and inward, sometimes awkward analysis.
In its simplest form, this is a road trip set on the margins of the 19th Century, when the West was almost tamed, by men hardened by the brutalities of the Civil War, and the slaughter of innocents.
It is also a story of honor, of rugged individualism, and a struggle with tribal and racial prejudices that has a very contemporary resonance.
I noticed that some were leaving in mid-screening, but most of the preview audience remained until the end, and a good number applauded with conviction.
I was intrigued by the lush cinematography, the Kodachrome appearance of some scenes, the extremes of violence and brutality, and the morality lessons of wiping out a race of Native Americans who were here first, but needed to make room and be displaced, out of convenience and greed, because it could be done, regardless of the injustice or inhumanity.
Those same prejudices also have a contemporary ring to them, reflecting current attitudes towards immigrants, those of darker skins, and "the others" among us.
I was reminded of such literary works transformed into screenplays as Heart of Darkness, The Red Badge of Courage, High Noon, The Magnificent Seven, and Seven Samurai, along with directors such as Akira Kurosawa, Antoine Fuqua, John Ford, and John Huston.
For those who can endure the graphic violence, scenes with mumbled dialogue, and tormented characters, and can make the effort to go beyond that, this can be a very rewarding film experience.
The composition of the scenes, dark exposures, extreme close-ups, surreal techniques of distortions of focus and viewpoints, saturated and washed out colors, superb acting, and moralistic conflicts between the angels and demons within the humanity that haunts so many, left me transfixed and absorbed by this highly charged and complex production.
I was also aware that this may not appeal to mass audiences who expect plot and action to move at a faster pace, with fewer complexities and inward, sometimes awkward analysis.
In its simplest form, this is a road trip set on the margins of the 19th Century, when the West was almost tamed, by men hardened by the brutalities of the Civil War, and the slaughter of innocents.
It is also a story of honor, of rugged individualism, and a struggle with tribal and racial prejudices that has a very contemporary resonance.
I noticed that some were leaving in mid-screening, but most of the preview audience remained until the end, and a good number applauded with conviction.
I was intrigued by the lush cinematography, the Kodachrome appearance of some scenes, the extremes of violence and brutality, and the morality lessons of wiping out a race of Native Americans who were here first, but needed to make room and be displaced, out of convenience and greed, because it could be done, regardless of the injustice or inhumanity.
Those same prejudices also have a contemporary ring to them, reflecting current attitudes towards immigrants, those of darker skins, and "the others" among us.
I was reminded of such literary works transformed into screenplays as Heart of Darkness, The Red Badge of Courage, High Noon, The Magnificent Seven, and Seven Samurai, along with directors such as Akira Kurosawa, Antoine Fuqua, John Ford, and John Huston.
For those who can endure the graphic violence, scenes with mumbled dialogue, and tormented characters, and can make the effort to go beyond that, this can be a very rewarding film experience.
Tell Your Friends