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In the Country of Last Things (1987) becomes among Paul Auster first novels - short after NY Trilogy- its first and only approach -as far as I know- into sci-fi, describing a world in B&W, where hope is been lost and the only thing left is a fight for survival in a dystopian South American city.

Although seem shocking to follow the story in these terms, it does keep up the original spirit pretty well, with minor changes (some names). Its rather low budget takes the story tiptoeing fast over the whole film in over 80', missing a deeper approach into the characters and their story of despair; yet performances are fair good enough for this Dominican - Argentinian production. Don't miss a couple of eye winks into the Paul Auster world, - the novel Anna Blume is reading in the Residence and the picture of Dr. Woburn on the wall.

Minor movie compared to other Paul Auster high budget adaptations like Smoke (1994) or The Music of Chance (1993), "In the Country of Last Things" may not be among my favorites I'm afraid, yet is not a bad one.

If you belong to Paul Auster world, it is a must-see movie.

I can't help though asking myself what would have a North American production got out of it? Maybe we shall never know or ....should we really ever need to know otherwise? Probably not.

Jeremy Saulnier enjoys pushing main characters to the limit, to extreme situations, seeking for peace of mind through revenge, as they see or experience something that should not be seen or happened. It was the case of remarkable Green Room (2015), and also Blue Ruin (2013)

Rebel Ridge has a splendid take off, reminding us of the great scents of First Blood, revealing corruption and abuses of the local PD, driving our up-to-date John Rambo - a credible Aaron Pierre- insane, thus giving up on any hope or fair justice through legal means, and rising up against those crooked ones - a solid still standing Don Johnson.

Second act drops into a flat line for a while (15 minutes less could have given the movie a more efficient flow) and moving towards a violent but perhaps also predictable finale.

I am very much looking forward more Jeremy Saulner's projets, as is a sure bet for a good script, good story and great acting, keeping the independent spirit up. I'd rate this one then 7,1/10.

I must say I like to give opinions of movies I have not heard of or read anything before, hence not having been influenced by critics or media in the first place. Well I'm afraid this one is far from what it may looks like. A good 10 minute start brings and offers promising plot, although right after the movie starts its descend to nowhere. A ridiculous Steve Zahn character combined with an excessive twisted plot, pushes the whole story to the edge of the cliff, where it finishes by falling into the abyss of boredom and grotesque. Yet the atmosphere and other characters like Dylan Baker and a good photography, may deserve some consideration, so I dare to give a 5,9 over 10, in the end. LaRoy, Texas results of an failed attempt of bringing back Fargo to live. The division line is clear; whilst Fargo is a tough and violent drama combining horror with bitterness humor, LaRoy Texas just end up being a whole dumb redneck game of useless characters trying but getting nowhere. Nope, not this one guys. Better try with small movies like Sweet Virginia (2017) or the more mainstream Three Billboards outside Edding (2017) , as they may keep the Fargo spirit with some better dignity.