Nominated For: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor; Jeff Bridges, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
Hell or High Water is a crime drama that focuses on a pair of brothers, recent divorcee Toby Howard and ex-con Tanner, executing a series of bank robberies to prevent their family land from being foreclosed. Hell or High Water has been the one of the more heavily discussed awards geared films over the later portion of the summer since it premiered at the Un Certain Regard of 2016's Canne's Film Festival, therefore I thought that it seemed like a must-see from it's massive surge of critical praise.
David Mackenzie directs and maintains focus on the core characters to great effect as they traverse gray morality in their actions. Taylor Sheridan pens the screenplay after his screenwriting debut in last year's Sicario and expertly incorporates classic western themes about the bank against the common man. Giles Nuttgens' cinematography and the score composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis evoke western spirit with desolate landscapes and a hopeful atmosphere paralleling the underlying messages from Sheridan's script.
Hell or High Water also features superb showings from it's talented cast. Chris Pine has probably one of the more compelling characters of the bunch as his Toby Howard is constantly questioning the morality of the brothers' actions and Pine is remarkable at conveying those sensibilities with an effective balance of charm and reservation. Ben Foster's Tanner is a scumbag and Foster brings revolting qualities to his character as he shows disregard to the people harmed in their heists. Pine and Foster play well off one another with their contrasting personalities and characterizations allowing for some introspective conflict between the pair's morality.
Jeff Bridges brings the classic wise maverick in his portrayal of Marcus Hamilton, an aging Texas Ranger on the verge of retirement looking for adventure where he can find it. Bridges has some great moments of sincerity and levity, albeit some darker humor poking fun at his partner.
In conclusion, Hell or High Water is an interesting mix of the classic western spirit and a modern day setting that's focus on character and dialogue keep it true to form. Hell or High Water may feels similar to films of it's genre but it's an incredible demonstration of great direction, an excellent screenplay, and tremendous performances.
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