​FILMS

the homesman

The Homesman (Drama/Western): 66 out of 100: This might as well be called "The Tommy Lee Jones Show" as not only does he star in it, but he also directed, co-wrote and co-produced it. It is a slow-paced western that will not resurrect the western genre.

Hilary Swank plays the pioneer woman who travels cross-country to find some help for her townsfolk who are experiencing financial and productivity hardship. She comes across Tommy Lee Jones, playing a claim jumper who helps her transport three insane women from Nebraska to Iowa. Along the way, we bear witness to the two main characters' exchanges that allow them to showcase their Oscar winning abilities, although Tommy Lee Jones occasionally mumbles. Some of the dialogue is also trite and representative of unnecessary banter rather than moving the story along.

The direction is steady and assured although it could have done with some urgency. Quite a few scenes end with a fade to black, which is often an indication of a film not in a hurry to tell its story. The location shots are well filmed although some of the scenes at night are poorly lit. The music score is pleasant, ranging from some melodious tunes to haunting sounds.

Those after a western with action scenes will feel underwhelmed. It's more of a western drama that unravels slowly which you must be extremely patient with to fully appreciate.

Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Hilary Swank and Meryl Streep
(122 minutes)
Parental advice: Violence, nudity, sex scenes, sexual references and adult themes
Additional scene during or after credits: No
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kCFaTffMMeE (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 2nd October, 2014)