The Homesman

So you’re not into the Western genre? How about calling this movie a very compelling drama that takes place in the 1800’s west. Still not excited about seeing the film? Top it off with a stellar cast, an original storyline and actors that give Oscar worthy performances. Titled The Homesman, it’s Tommy Lee Jones’ first attempt at directing and he makes the film an excellent story of early Americana.  

So begins the long and arduous journey that will change the lives of Mary and George forever. Jones sits in the director’s chair for the first time and I’m not surprised at The Homesman is on its way to being an Western classic.  His long career being in front of the camera lens has made him a natural, much like it did for Clint Eastwood.  He does a terrific job of guiding his fine cast, getting spectacular shots and delivering an outstanding tale that will leave a lasting effect long after the credits roll. 

Several of the cast members should be considered for honors in the upcoming Oscars. I especially like Hilary Swank as the determined woman who’s desperate for companionship and will do anything to achieve her goal. Thus far, of the performances by an actress in a leading role I’ve seen this year, she ranks high in my top five.

The ensemble cast does a terrific job of depicting the support characters of husbands, the three insane women, Indians and prairie bandits. Grace Gummer stands out as the young wife Arabella who loses it after her child dies of diphtheria. She retreats to a childlike woman who cannot cope with the ordeal she’s going through on the long trip. The most haunting performance comes from Sonja Richter as Gro Svendsen, a frail woman whose husband rapes her consistently in an attempt to get her pregnant. In her fine performance, Richter presses the psychologically disturbed button and never lets it go.

The cinematography of the western countryside, the small town where the initial first chapter takes place, campfires and the claustrophobic box buckboard in which the women are being transported are nicely depicted. Each encounter along the journey gets a lot of camera attention and the close-up camerawork becomes part of the story. Add to this the period costumes, make-up and special effects for the perfect captivating drama.

The Homesman has been rated R by the MPAA for violence, sexual content, some disturbing behavior and nudity.  There are scenes of rape and self-injury by cutting. Please be very cautious when wanting to bring children under the age of 17 to the movie as they may become traumatized by some of the scenes.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A remarkable acting exhibition with fine direction and story. (A)