Review of Hell or High Water (2016) by Dean E — 30 Dec 2016

"I've been poor my whole life, like a disease passing from generation to generation.".

One of the great aspects of film is its unpredictability in what will or won't be a great film. Every year there seems to be one or two films that no one believed would be any good yet somehow result in being one of the most acclaimed films of the year. This year that film was Hell or High Water. Directed by David Mackenzie, this modern day western stars Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges and outlines the story of two brothers who are attempting to rob banks to pay back the bank that is cheating them out of their late mother's farm and the lawmen that are chasing them. It is extremely interesting how this film had little anticipation or hype surrounding its initial release but, after it was released, it was shown to be one of the best films of the year. The directing of this film is innovative and involves both the foreground and the background of shots. Its editing is static for most of the movie with level camera shots. However, this is effective since when the camera shots are tilted, they evoke emotional responses. There are also many engaging car chases and gun fights that are both exciting and have some somber or deadly moments to it. This incorporation allows for the film to have a good balance of quiet moments and intense action filled moments, some even at the same time. This duality also is conveyed through the great performances of the main actors. While I am normally not a fan of his acting, Chris Pine does a great job as the younger less experienced brother. His constant justification of his actions and his overwhelming fear of being caught is conveyed through his expressions and acting abilities. Ben Foster also shines as the older brother to Pine. His insanity yet charm is expressed at different times and this duality makes his character interesting. Both of these actors also have chemistry together as a brotherly bond. A similar chemistry of brothers forms between Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham. Jeff Bridges is able to make his character more than the generic older cop. He has a fear of retirement and uselessness and he conveys this in friendly insults and jokes at the expense of his sidekick. Bridges is also shown to be clever, capable, sympathetic, and friendly. Birmingham is also great with a sympathetic view of the world and the way he as a Native American is treated by others. Birmingham's description of hi people's treatment connects to the main and interesting themes of the film. The film conveys a message on how Native Americans were driven off their land by those more powerful than them. This message is compared to the way many poor farmers and smaller businesses are driven away by big and corrupt businesses. This comparison and the subtle way it is expressed makes the film interesting. This film actually has few flaws in it. The pacing does drag at times. While the quieter or character based moments are welcome, they sometimes go on too long or seem unnecessary. Additionally, despite an engaging, entertaining, and a technically beautiful opening scene, the beginning of the film includes a great deal of poorly delivered exposition, However, these faults do not completely hinder the film. Overall, Hell or High Water is a western crime film with interesting characters and messages on businesses. I would recommend it to fans of modern westerns, crime movies, or strong and subtle acting.