Was very blessed to see this at the mallard cinema last week. Beautifully crafted film. Me ans my partner try and support independent cinema when we can. For me I had doubts going in. I come from the island it is shot and i am of the perspective that if you are shooting a film about America you should shoot it in America. After all, how can we complain that the Guernsey Potatoe Pie wasn't filmed in Guernsey if we steal other stories. But then I learnt that it wasn't just filmed here but it was written by a local talent also. This is a local story and by God did it exemplify the breadth of opportunity in showcasing a fantastical pallette of the wild west with the greys of vintage film to the hazy oranges of the west itself. It was splendid. Whilst it occurs largely in one room this setting enables a true theatrical feast. Dean hollingsworth becomes a face that can only do wonders on the screen. A subtle yet convincing portrayal of class and Persuasion. Hislop brings a world to our imaginations, a world i want more of, a character so rich I need to experience more of. His cogent description of a dreamy yet horrific land is magically done. His voice pierces and in its melodic use of the poetic script it sings to us in the most transformative manner. Ashplant gives a masterclass. His character appears obscured in mystery, but this peels away through the Christian and tribal Imagery, until we are left with nothing short of a maniac. It is the story of becoming a villain with notes of Daniel Day Lewis in 'there will be blood'. And he delivers tremedously- what a devil, and what a voice, straight from the era. The music is masterful and a true ode to the genre. By Peter Wood I see, a name I've seen now more than once. Also just as transportative is the creative selection of shots by local wizard Matthew stockreiter, who I was once pleased to have met. His work is astounding.
This could be done again. I'm theatre or on a bigger screen, but it carves out a distinctive space in the western genre as it is. One that truly earns the name of contemplative cinema, and I might argue that it is in this unique style that it flourishes. Any adaptation might loose the thing that makes it so unique. An alluring piece of cinema.
