I think I know what I'm doing wrong these days with films. With certain exceptions, I'm looking for a good time at the movies when many of the films that are produced lack so much of the quality that can be seen in the films that do not gain as much of a reputation. I would have normally over looked this film. The only reason I viewed it was because it is part of a movie trilogy with Clint and Clyde. Honky Tonk is a very honest portrayal of the life of a stricken county singer and his family.
It is well shot, well scripted and well acted. It's not attempting to entertain it's audience with anything flashy because really it doesn't need to. Sometimes a film must be viewed for it's story and how well it is made, and not for the fireworks that many of todays films feel the need to incorporate because of audience attention span. Another one of my all time favourites, No Country for Old Men managed to do something similar, in that it gave you the 'feel' of a part of a hard world where the characters felt and seemed real. It didn't need to try to be flash with anything because we were so involved with the characters and the photography that we didn't care about the fancy trimmings.
As far as character driven, well made films go this is is definitely something to watch. It is sometimes hard hitting, and won't win any popularity contests save with those of a discerning, approving eye for good pictures.
Recommended.
It is well shot, well scripted and well acted. It's not attempting to entertain it's audience with anything flashy because really it doesn't need to. Sometimes a film must be viewed for it's story and how well it is made, and not for the fireworks that many of todays films feel the need to incorporate because of audience attention span. Another one of my all time favourites, No Country for Old Men managed to do something similar, in that it gave you the 'feel' of a part of a hard world where the characters felt and seemed real. It didn't need to try to be flash with anything because we were so involved with the characters and the photography that we didn't care about the fancy trimmings.
As far as character driven, well made films go this is is definitely something to watch. It is sometimes hard hitting, and won't win any popularity contests save with those of a discerning, approving eye for good pictures.
Recommended.