When the skeleton of his murdered predecessor is found, Sheriff Sam Deeds unearths many other long-buried secrets in his Texas border town.When the skeleton of his murdered predecessor is found, Sheriff Sam Deeds unearths many other long-buried secrets in his Texas border town.When the skeleton of his murdered predecessor is found, Sheriff Sam Deeds unearths many other long-buried secrets in his Texas border town.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 15 wins & 19 nominations total
- Priscilla Worth
- (as LaTanya Richardson)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis film is known for its excellent use of live segues, in which scenes change within a single camera shot; in this case, shifting in back and forth through time in the same location.
- GoofsWhen Pvt Johnson is told she failed the drug test, the rank on her hat is upside down.
- Quotes
Cliff: I never thought I'd see that a buddy of mine would be dating a woman with three bars on her shoulder.
Mickey: I think it's beyond what you'd call dating.
Cliff: You're gonna get married?
Mickey: Maybe.
Cliff: You met her family? Think her family's gonna be OK that you're a white guy?
Mickey: They think any woman over 30 who isn't married is a lesbian. She figures, they'll be so relieved that I'm a man...
Cliff: Yeah, it's always heartwarming to see a prejudice defeated by a deeper prejudice.
'Lone Star' is a smart, contemporary whodunnit western that is full of twists and turns one won't see coming. 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. 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.
The narrative, partially told through flashbacks, rockets along at a fast pace; keeping the audience glued to the screen with attentions held captive. Sayles has allowed for moments of contemplation though; his editing is not overly brisk or brusque, suiting the tone of scenes adroitly.
Stuart Dryburgh's infallible and artful cinematography is really something to behold. His framing of images gives the film the feel of an 'epic,' as if David Lean had adapted a 'Zane Grey's Western Magazine'. His composition echoes the cowboy magazines and movies of the 50's, and you can practically feel the desert heat emanating off the screen because of his efforts.
Dryburgh was nominated for an Academy Award only once, for Campion's 'The Piano,' but his work in 'Lone Star' is arguably the best of his career; and should have gone recognized by the Academy- who instead gave the award that year to John Seale for his somewhat rudimentary work on 'The English Patient.'
Mason Daring's soundtrack and score is as atmospheric as Dryburgh's cinematography, using music from a variety of genres to highlight the melting pot of cultures in Rio County. His original compositions are most suspenseful, making already tense moments all the more emotionally taut. Dan Bishops' production design is rich, adding an aura of authenticity to the proceedings, as does Dianna Freas' set decoration and Shay Cunliffe's costume design.
The real star of the show is- appropriately- the star of the show: Chris Cooper, playing Sam Deeds. Cooper is one of the most understated actors working today, he disappears into roles like a chameleon of the silver screen. As Deeds, he brings wit, charm and resolve to the character that endears him to the audience immediately. You want his investigation to be successful and for him to find some balance in his life. Simply put: you root for the guy. Cooper made his debut in Sayles' powerful 'Matewan' in 1987, and the two have worked together numerous times (most recently on the hilarious 'Silver City' and 'Amigo'); 'Lone Star' may be their most entertaining collaboration.
The supporting cast are routinely excellent, from Elizabeth Peña as Cooper's love interest to Clifton James as the mayor and LaTanya Richardson as a young, confused soldier. There are two that are truly special, however: Ron Canada and Kris Kristofferson. Canada plays an embittered bar owner who never had a relationship with his straight-laced son, very well played by Joe Morton. Canada's layered, complex performance is one of much realism and depth.
Kristofferson plays the villainous Charlie Wade and clearly loves getting to play the bad guy for once. He struts around with a sinister gleam in his eye and an ever-present menacing grin, like an evil John Wayne for modern times. It is without question the best role he ever had and one of his finest performances as an actor.
'Lone Star' is a film that has a lot to offer. It is a delightful cocktail of a western, a whodunnit and a romance, featuring barbed social commentary and an exploration of family and fatherhood. To say it's Sayles' magnum opus would not be unfounded. A line from Kristofferson comes to mind when thinking about the film and its' characters: 'He's a walking contradiction, partly truth and partly fiction.' In the world of 'Lone Star', they're all walking contradictions; and the film is a remarkable piece of fiction.
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- Oct 5, 2022
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $5,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $12,408,986
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $232,184
- Jun 23, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $12,421,583
- Runtime2 hours 15 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1