MovieChat Forums > Shotgun Stories (2008) Discussion > Excellent movie

Excellent movie

posted 17 years ago by savannah-4
24 replies | jump to latest

I am at a loss as to why the votes for this movie are so low as of right now - 5 people out of 10 voting a 2? Really? Also, when did those people see the movie, considering that the world premiere was only five hours ago here at the Berlin Film Festival and IMDb's daily update hasn't happened yet?

But to get to the point: "Shotgun Stories" is an excellent movie. The director (and writer) has a great ear for dialogue, the acting is flawless, the camera makes the stifling heat and humidity of the Arkansas backcountry almost tangible, and the score is perfectly written to tell of impending doom without being painfully obvious or full of bathos.

The audience at the premiere today loved it.

If this is what Nichols can do on his first try, I can't wait to see his future projects.

[–] till-kleinert 17 years ago

I agree at every point.

I have seen it twice at the festival. I haven't seen an American indie picture that arresting in a long time. Michael Shannon hits all the right notes, and the ending, which strangely seems to be a letdown for some, is a true proof of the director's will to transcend the classical revenge plot and break out of it. Amazing stuff! The low imdb rating comes as a surprise, but most have yet to see it, so I guess there's no need to worry. This will definitely make its way.

[–] pocomarc 15 years ago

Yes, the whole movie sat on the back of the main character and his facial expressions. Quite an acting job to hold interest based on that.

But I take the 'truce' at the end as more than likely only temporary--- especially with the most aggressive brother (the ugliest one) of the other family still alive.

[–] SUPERchunk20 17 years ago

I'm with both of you on this one. I saw this at SIFF (the crowd was severly lacking at this screening, unforunately) and thought it was absolutely incredible. I haven't seen a better movie all year.

I would honestly put this film right up there with EASY RIDER and FIVE EASY PIECES as a movie that truly captures the sense of desparation and lack of belonging that plagues a great deal of ordinary American people.

If this movie doesn't get a US release, I will be absolutely beside myself.

PS: Savannah, you are absolutely right to say that "the camera makes the stifling heat and humidity of the Arkansas backcountry almost tangible". I couldn't have said it better...you really have to see the film to believe it. Incredible.

[–] look_its_julia 17 years ago

I also saw this movie at SIFF. I honestly wasn't looking forward to it all that much. I thought it would be too violent for me. I was pleasantly suprised. I'm not going to say it wasn't violent, but it wasn't blatant or disturbing.

Everything about this movie was thoroughly enjoyable, from the imagery to the acting to the captivating story.

That's my two cents. :)

[–] mitchcastanelli 16 years ago

I work at a theater in Little Rock and saw this for the first time today. I was very impressed with the film. Living less than 20 miles from the shooting locations, it was cool to see a familiar area on screen. The movie very accurately represents life in a small town with a struggling economy, showing the social problems that come with them. Growing up around people like the brothers (both sets actually), I can honestly say this is an accurate portrayal of life in Arkansas for some below the poverty line. Jeff Nichols shows he has talent, and I believe this movie is in many ways equal to, and somewhat superior to another film shot locally, Slingblade. I hope to see more from Mr Nichols.

[–] Johnny_Hing 11 years ago

Yeah. And the guy who is feeling pressured to bring home a bigger paycheck, so he practices card-counting for the occasional trip to nearby Tunica. And the cotton fields... the sunsets on the Delta... so realistic. My kind of movie.

Go within, or go without

[–] jchancler3 16 years ago

Just saw the trailer and it looks amazing. Michael Shannon was born to play roles like these and genuinely hope this gets picked up by a bigger studio (preferably Lion's Gate like they did with Bug) for wider release.

Also, is it just me or does it feel a little like A History of Violence? Another great thriller that takes place in a small town.

[–] 16 years ago

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[–] DaPearl 16 years ago

I just saw this at the IFC Theater on a whim, having only heard about it a few hours before and I loved it. I thought the editing and pacing was off at times with the score which, overall was great but didn't entirely fit at times. That aside, it was an amazing film which capture, to borrow someone else's term, semi-rural, economically depressed America perfectly, which No Country for Old Men missed the mark on. Acting was great, scenery was great...it makes me wish I had a porch I could sit out and drink beer on.

[–] Kill-Doug-Szathkey 16 years ago

Ditto. This film tends to get dumped on a bit for it's pacing but I thought it went hand in hand with the subject matter. If people are going in for a pure revenge flick, go rent one of the many out there that serve it up popcorn style. This film tends to dissect the people and the motive behind the actual revenge, and never paints either side as the clear cut "bad guys/good guys". I thought it was terrific how they humanized both sides of the Hayes family instead of trying to vindicate Son/Kid/Boy's thirst for revenge. The scene where Son drives up to his mother's house and reveals to her "You raised us to hate those boys and we do...and now it's come to this" tells a whole lot about how their vengeance and hatred is based on nothing but a bitter mother...to the extent that Son can even see it.

It seemed headed for Shakespearean-esque tragedy but instead the film kept itself in that rich, acculturated tone that it worked so well. It never felt unbelievable. No line or action ever felt beyond the characters that were being portrayed.

Nichols deserves all the acclaim he can get. There is a look and feel to this film that I hope he carries to his next project ("Goat" with D.G.G). This is what independent films are about. Simple minimalism, yes, but still more powerful and engaging than any mainstream movie. Fantastic.

[–] sljones44 16 years ago

Hatfields and the McCoys?! Good follow up for Michael Shannon, following "Bug".

[–] maf00428y 16 years ago

I agree. A very strong, realistic portrayal. Not everyone of course wants that in a movie, but I was impressed. It is not escapist fare. Glad I decided to rent and view the DVD. The DVD cover did at first give me somewhat the impression of a chain-saw massacre type of movie, though. Marketing.

And the movie author/director didn't feel it had to end in a car chase/blood-bath! Wow.

One minor, very minor, point. Just a pet peeve of mine. Being a Southerner myself, it always grates my mind a little to hear "you all" misused in certain ways. I grew up hearing "y'all", myself, not a so clearly pronounced "you all". Maybe things are different in Arkansas. At least in this movie the lead actor was referring to a group, his brothers and Shampoo, I believe. But I have heard "y'all" said in movies when one person is referring to only one other person. Folks, that just don't happen: "Well, howdy, George. How are y'all doin?". Nope, not where I come from. Unless, by "George", the speaker means George and family.

[Well, too many words for a minor point, I guess.]

Point is, good movie. Left me thinking about tragic behavior in even good people. You can see how some family feuds have built up and built up, and have lasted for generations. The character Boy took a chance and broke the cycle. The human wisdom of a van-living, near-bum was vindicated.

[–] jarquin-1 15 years ago

amazing. how everyone seems to lvoe this film.
a genuinely good film is generally less successful.
this film is a good proof for that.
the ending was very well done as well

[–] 15 years ago

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[–] schwatime 15 years ago

I am at a loss as to why the votes for this movie are so low as of right now - 5 people out of 10 voting a 2? Really?

Here's my take on that: I loved the film, gave it a 10. I was thoroughly engrossed, couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Having said that, it *was*, compared to most films, slow-moving. So if the story, characters, atmosphere, and music didn't pull someone in for whatever reason, I can see why they might get bored. Shame.

[–] john-2660 15 years ago

I'm pretty sure they weight the averages for the ratings. This means if a lot of people are voting 9 or 10, then the site automatically puts in lower votes to even out the rating.

[–] stlouisgirl777 14 years ago

I'm giving it a 6. I would give it a higher score, but it was a very slow movie. The plot was very interesting, the acting by the major parties was very good. If it hadn't been for the snail's pace, I would have liked this movie much better.

Of course, I was very pleasantly surprised to find Michael Shannon in this movie, I probably wouldn't have tried to sit through the whole movie if not for his brilliant touch.

[–] stomperrob 13 years ago

No special effects, no CGI, just good ol' fashioned story telling done right!

[–] ExPresidents 13 years ago

It was supposed to be slow. As you get older, you will re-watch this and realize it was pitch-perfect. And you'll think of me, telling you this.

[–] stlouisgirl777 13 years ago

I don't mind a slow movie...I loved the Road (a very slow movie). I guess I should have said it dragged a little. Other than that it was a good film..as I said. There's no reason to talk down to people who don't see things your way.

[–] ExPresidents 13 years ago

In no way, shape or form was I talking down to you.

[–] john-2660 12 years ago

More people will see these comments after Take Shelter and Mud, they will want to know about Shotgun Stories.

[–] megaonan 11 years ago

Just watched this after seeing Take Shelter and Mud and liked it very much. Even more than Mud. Awesome movie.