Saturday, December 20, 2014

Review of THE HOMESMAN: A Bleak, Bitter Bounty

December 19, 2014





A homesman is someone tasked to bring people back to their homes. In this film, the people that needed safe transport are three mentally-disturbed women. Mary Bee McCuddy, a plain but hardy 31 year-old spinster, volunteered to bring them. Along the way, she saves a old man Thomas Briggs from being hung by vigilantes and conscripts him to help her with her mission in exchange for saving his life. Together, they gather the three ladies and escort them from Nebraska homes across the dangerous Midwest prairie to a safe haven in Iowa.

Hilary Swank is an actress who had already won a couple of Oscars for playing strong women who had taken on masculine roles in life -- Brandon Teena in "Boys Don't Cry" and Maggie Fitzgerald in "Million Dollar Baby". As Mary Bee McCuddy, a pioneer lady who bravely accepts a task only men are expected to do, Swank again goes on the same award-baiting path. The movie worked so well when Swank was onscreen. She was absolutely compelling in this offbeat role as if this was written with her in mind. The movie was not the same when her character was not there.

Tommy Lee Jones donned four hats on this production: producer, writer, director, actor. As writer, he collaborated with Kieran Fitzgerald and Wesley Oliver on this adaptation of a 1988 novel of same title by Glendon Swarthout. This film is only Jones' second directorial effort since his critically-acclaimed debut in "Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada" back in 2005. As director, he was very generous to his lead female star Swank, and always gave way to let her shine. As actor, he does consistently as he is expected but this role of a grumpy old outlaw seems too familiar for him already. He wisely played Briggs with some self-deprecating humor to break the tendency of the story to become monotonously bleak.

There were some remarkable support from other award-winning or nominated stars in much smaller roles. John Lithgow is his usual capable self playing the Reverend Dowd who reluctantly sends McCuddy off on her task. Hailee Steinfeld plays 16-year old Tabitha Hutchinson to whom Briggs offers a surprising proposal. James Spader, in his usual over-the-top style, plays condescending hotel owner Aloysius Duffy. And last, but definitely not the least, none other than THE Meryl Streep plays perfectly kind and hospitable Altha Carter, who runs the institution in Iowa the women are headed for. These actors appear onscreen for only ten minutes or so, but they leave a lasting impression.

The narrative may have been slow and desolate . However, the unusual situations, disturbing imagery, startling story developments and committed performances by the cast all keep our attention riveted. The cinematography with the muted colors worked well with the windswept landscape of its setting, as much a character in itself. The costumes and production design rang true to its mid-19th century time period. The haunting and unsettling musical score create an atmosphere of bitter emptiness. The insufferably miserable topic is clearly not for everyone. But for those who decide to give it a chance, the rewards will be a satisfying bounty. 7/10.


18 comments:

  1. I simply love it when Hillary Swank is on screen. She works all the roles so well. I look forward to watching this film!

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  2. I like movies with a meaning that leave you a lot of food for thought after you have watched them and this one is such an example. The very presence of Tommy Lee Jones promises a great play, moreover he did the whole thing this time> acting, directing, producing!

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  3. I haven't thought about seeing this film but it sounds interesting. I happen to like Tommy Lee ever since the Fugitive back in the day. :)

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  4. I love Hilary Swank..but is thinking twice about watching this film

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  5. Hillary Swank is great ! Loved your description and I m looking forward t watch this film!

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  6. You got a perfect review of this movie from the story line to its technical aspect. The title is very thrilling. How I wish I could see this movie and find out how this man bring the three ladies back to their home and able to surpass dangerous trials along the way.

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  7. I am planning to watch this movie. Love the way you have described. I love the most Hilary xx

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  8. I haven't watched this movie yet but I want to so bad! I love Hillary Swank.. Your description of the movie is great!

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  9. This is a movie that should not be missed. As I always say, one can't go wrong with a Hilary Swank film. I'm not a fan, but I gotta give it to her because all Hilary Swank films I've seen never disappoint. The story is promising and I'd love to see how they did the costumes. It is set in a different era right?

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  10. That is a great review. After reading your review I am planning to watch it. Thanks for sharing it.

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  11. I feel left out for not knowing anything about this movie or its actors. Though you have a good review about this, I don't think this movie is for me. I don't think I'd enjoy this. I might have a hard time understanding this.

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  12. Swank is an amazing actress! i will probably catch this movie for her sake. and i'm a fan of the 19th century setting so i guess this movie is a must watch for me!

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  13. Yet to watch this. Your review definitely make me looking forward watching it when it's available in my country.

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  14. They do have really great and compelling actors. I'm not sure if I could go with the slow pace of the movie though but it's worth a try as it has the ingredients of a classic movie.

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  15. Two of my favorite actors. I'll surely watch this. Thanks for the review. Even though I haven't seen it. I sort of agree with you.

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  16. Great review and thanks for sharing! Shall watch it one day :D

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  17. The premise of the movie is an honorable one. The cast and crew are impressive, but I don't like movies from that era and the subject matter is distressing. That said, I hope it gains a wider viewing audience.

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  18. The plot seems intriguing too bad that it is a slow paced movie. Happy New Year! :)

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