His framing of images gives the film the feel of an 'epic,' as if David Lean had adapted a 'Zane Grey's Western Magazine'. Stuart Dryburgh's infallible and artful cinematography is really something to behold. Sayles has allowed for moments of contemplation though his editing is not overly brisk or brusque, suiting the tone of scenes adroitly. The narrative, partially told through flashbacks, rockets along at a fast pace keeping the audience glued to the screen with attentions held captive. There is also an undercurrent of social commentary running throughout the picture- with particular regard to class, race and family- that is handled most efficaciously. Helmed by John Sayles- a triple threat, taking up writing, directing and editing duties- the film is full of sharp dialogue and believable characters, as well as being a genuinely suspenseful mystery story. 'Lone Star' is a smart, contemporary whodunnit western that is full of twists and turns one won't see coming. What Sam doesn't know is how much the investigation will change his life- and the lives of those around him- as long buried secrets are uncovered, reputations re-evaluated and histories reconstructed. After a skeleton is found in the desert with a rusted badge next to it, Sam investigates, certain that he knows to whom the bones and badge belong: the corrupt and cruel Charlie Wade, the Sheriff and scourge of Rio County before Buddy got the job. He lives in the shadow of his father and predecessor Buddy, something of a beloved local legend. Lone Star blends all of these racial themes with mystery and crime and well, it's just fantastic.Sam Deeds is the Sheriff of Rio County, Texas. ![]() But Lone Star presents it in a way that makes it exciting. Face it, who wants to see that? That's boring. It managed to make me grin a couple of times.Īnd I know that the whole 'racial drama' thing sort of turns people off when it comes to movies. The transitions are perfect and smooth, and I just loved how one scene would just flow into another. It's some of the best that I've ever seen, if not the best. And isn't it weird how John Sayles did all three? The editing is flawless. One of the finer points of Lone Star, besides the writing and directing, is the editing. Every sentence or action here speaks volumes. He manages to get such true and realistic performances from his actors. It is a film that not only proves that John Sayles is a fantastic writer, but also a fantastic director as well. Lone Star is a magnificent crime-drama with overtones of noir, western, and an underlying theme of racial tension. That's what I call a good writer someone who can not only keep the audience entertained, but interested as well. There's a lot to be said about a writer who can hook our attention right away with an opening scene, keep us focused for a good two hours, and then blow our minds at the end. I'm on more familiar ground with John Sayles now, so I thought that I'd update my review on his masterpiece, Lone Star. ![]() The only thing you could make a complaint about is that it may run a little too long (135 minutes), but outside of that, this film is dead-on. ![]() Most impressively, the directing remains controlled and confident throughout its entirely. Cooper's brilliant subtle turn may be the very best of his career, and McConaughey, in the few scenes he is in, also gets to show off his charisma and undeniable on-screen presence. Then, like a freight train, the locks become unhinged, and the truth becomes clear, and it strikes with resolute force. It is not focused on wowing you for most of it is entirety, instead moreso on telling a story concerning race, loyalty, and family all in one two-hour spread. What makes this film so impressive is its assured consistent plotting and character detailing throughout. A near-masterpiece of the noir genre, detailing the dirty underpinnings of a close-knit town in Texas, specifically a respected sheriff (Chris Cooper) who stumbles upon a long-buried mystery that his late father (Matthew McConaughey, played in flash-backs) might have been involved in.
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