HELL OR HIGH WATER review - Holy Hell
(Reviewed by Melody Werner)
Hell or High Water is a 2016 neo-Western crime film directed by David Mackenzie based on a script by Tye Sheridan. Released by Lionsgate, it stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, and Gil Birmingham. HoHW is about two brothers stealing from a line of banks so they can buy the land of their family farm to give it to Pine's son, as well as the two cops attempting to catch them. It was a critical darling and relative hit, fomenting Sheridan's respect among avid film watchers, critics, and other screenwriters. So I'd heard good things of it going in, but I had no idea it was going to be quite as good as it is.
Now, I'm not a cinematography hawk--if you see me talking about it in a review, that means it sprung out to me in an extreme way (positive or negative). This film is no different in that regard; I was impressed with how smooth its cinematography is. There are some shots in here that are just stunning. But the aesthetic strengths do not end there, as the wardrobes and sets are particularly convincing. The musical score by Nick Cave and (not that) Warren Ellis is terrific, fitting, and something I could definitely see myself listening to outside of the context of the film.
The story is a quintessential crime yarn. Hell or High Water sees the main characters going on several heists, but this does not resemble your typical heist film structurally. There is a sense of satisfaction seeing the resourcefulness of these siblings as they find inventive ways of not getting caught. HoHW follows a very Ed Brubaker style of characterization, where pretty much all of the characters are various shades of unlikeable. Even the protagonists are kinda bastards--especially Foster's character. This could be an issue, but it's all balanced with a deft hand and the actors are more than up for the task. Pine in particular stood out to me, mainly because I've never seen him as an interesting actor. His character isn't the most unique on paper, but Chris actually elevates it. Then you have the script which gives them all a lot to work with, chock full of witty dialogue.
Hell or High Water is a kickass crime drama that was, somewhat ironically, a huge pick-me-up for me when I saw it. Wasn't in a great place at the time, and this was just really enjoyable. Would absolutely recommend it. Hell or High Water gets a 10/10 from me.
Masterful
Summary:
A compelling, epic crime tale that hits all of the right notes. Bound for greater recognition in due time.
Hell or High Water is a 2016 neo-Western crime film directed by David Mackenzie based on a script by Tye Sheridan. Released by Lionsgate, it stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, and Gil Birmingham. HoHW is about two brothers stealing from a line of banks so they can buy the land of their family farm to give it to Pine's son, as well as the two cops attempting to catch them. It was a critical darling and relative hit, fomenting Sheridan's respect among avid film watchers, critics, and other screenwriters. So I'd heard good things of it going in, but I had no idea it was going to be quite as good as it is.
Now, I'm not a cinematography hawk--if you see me talking about it in a review, that means it sprung out to me in an extreme way (positive or negative). This film is no different in that regard; I was impressed with how smooth its cinematography is. There are some shots in here that are just stunning. But the aesthetic strengths do not end there, as the wardrobes and sets are particularly convincing. The musical score by Nick Cave and (not that) Warren Ellis is terrific, fitting, and something I could definitely see myself listening to outside of the context of the film.
The story is a quintessential crime yarn. Hell or High Water sees the main characters going on several heists, but this does not resemble your typical heist film structurally. There is a sense of satisfaction seeing the resourcefulness of these siblings as they find inventive ways of not getting caught. HoHW follows a very Ed Brubaker style of characterization, where pretty much all of the characters are various shades of unlikeable. Even the protagonists are kinda bastards--especially Foster's character. This could be an issue, but it's all balanced with a deft hand and the actors are more than up for the task. Pine in particular stood out to me, mainly because I've never seen him as an interesting actor. His character isn't the most unique on paper, but Chris actually elevates it. Then you have the script which gives them all a lot to work with, chock full of witty dialogue.
Hell or High Water is a kickass crime drama that was, somewhat ironically, a huge pick-me-up for me when I saw it. Wasn't in a great place at the time, and this was just really enjoyable. Would absolutely recommend it. Hell or High Water gets a 10/10 from me.
Masterful
Summary:
A compelling, epic crime tale that hits all of the right notes. Bound for greater recognition in due time.
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