Robert Altman's lovely 30's Depression-era gem
1930's, Mississippi. Naïve convicted murderer Bowie (a fine and engaging performance by Keith Carradine) escapes from prison along with the laid-back T-Dub (the always excellent Bert Remsen) and ill-tempered brute Chicamaw (a frightening portrayal by John Schuck). The trio embark on a bank robbing spree. Moreover, Bowie falls for simple country girl Keechie (beautifully played with touching sincerity by Shelley Duvall) after he decides to take refuge at a farmhouse.Director Robert Altman, who also co-wrote the thoughtful script with Joan Tewkesbery and Calder Willingham, deftly crafts a flavorsome rural atmosphere as well as a vivid and authentic evocation of the Great Depression-era setting, relates the engrossing story at a leisurely pace, admirably refuses to either vilify or glamorize the outlaw lifestyle, and handles the sweet and tender romance between Bowie and Keechie with utterly disarming warmth and humanity. Moreover, Altman's inspired use of colorful and creative radio programs throughout serves as a sharp ironic counterpoint to the drab mundane world the characters exist in. In addition, there are sturdy supporting contributions from Louise Fletcher as T-Dub's disapproving sister Mattie, Tom Skerritt as crusty mechanic Dee Mobley, and Ann Latham as the sassy Lula. Jean Boffety's picturesque cinematography provides a pretty pastoral look. A real sleeper.
score 9/10
Woodyanders 18 September 2017
Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3809134/34894
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