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CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Film Review: ‘Meek’s Cutoff’ Turns Physical Journey Into Riveting Spiritual Drama
Submitted by BrianTT on May 13, 2011 - 2:37pm
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Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Meek’s Cutoff” review.
Meek’s Cutoff
Photo credit: Oscilloscope Pictures
”Meek’s Cutoff” stars Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, Zoe Kazan, Paul Dano, Shirley Henderson, Neal Huff, Tommy Nelson, and Rod Rondeaux. It was written and directed by Kelly Reichardt.
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 Rating: 5.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Very few films have ever conveyed an impending sense of doom as successfully as Kelly Reichardt’s stunningly accomplished “Meek’s Cutoff,” a journey into the past that has resonance for any era. Which way do you go when you’ve lost the map? Who do you trust when you can’t see beyond the horizon? How does man simply keep moving forward when it’s so unclear where we’re going?
“Meek’s Cutoff” is a spectacular drama, a piece of work with nary a flawed element. From the riveting performances (including at least two of the best of the year so far) to Reichardt’s strikingly sparse visual compositions to a script that took so many narrative risks, “Meek’s Cutoff” dares the viewer to wander the desolate landscape with its characters. Some will be unwilling to make the journey. It’s a slow film, to be sure, but that’s not meant as a criticism as much as it is a warning.
| Read Brian Tallerico’s full review of “Meek’s Cutoff” in our reviews section. |
There are numerous passages of “Meek’s Cutoff” without a single word of dialogue and the squeaky wheel of a covered wagon is the only sound that can be heard (as long as the cows are being quiet). This is not a film for everyone and even fans are likely to be stunned at the pace, but it’s a film that works its way under your skin as you become part of a nightmarish convoy across the old West. Thanks to brilliant directorial decisions matched by a cast that was clearly inspired by this unique effort, this will surely be one of the most memorable films of 2011.
The title refers to Stephen Meek (Bruce Greenwood), a bearded, world-weary, tough-guy guide who is transporting three couples across desolation to build a new society. There are no roads, no signs of water, and no signs of civilization. But they follow Meek across the plains, hoping that the hill over the next horizon will bring hope. The couples include the Tetherows (Michelle Williams & Will Patton), The Gatelys (Paul Dano & Zoe Kazan), and the Whites (Shirley Henderson & Neal Huff).
Continue reading for Brian Tallerico’s full “Meek’s Cutoff” review.Meek’s Cutoff
Photo credit: Oscilloscope Pictures
