Review of Meek's Cutoff (2011) by Kyle A — 16 Dec 2011

"Meek's Cutoff" is a western unlike any other. It's nuanced and real, showing how the west was, instead of how the west was won. Its blatant look at reality circa 1845 is narratively refreshing, and though it will not be everybody's cup of tea, it kept me warm with a fuzzy feeling of "Yes.

I am watching real people instead of cookie cut-out caricatures"! Of course, Kelly Reichardt is a pro at this sort of thing. Her two films prior to "Cutoff" follow the same sort of realist style/narrative ("Wendy And Lucy" is a masterpiece, "old Joy".

.. not so much), but seeing that genre blend with the western is a treat. All expectations of a western are thrown for a loop, especially the roles of hero and villain. "Meek's Cutoff" is told through the perspective of a female settler, Emily Tetherow (Michelle Williams), who is brash at moments but follows her role.

.. the role all women had at the time period. She's not involved with important decisions, or even talks of them. Instead the men, lead by Stephen Meek (Bruce Greenwood) and Emily's husband Solomon (Will Patton), decide which direction they will head in.

.. and the women follow without question (at least, not in front of the entire group). The camera work and sound mix influence this perspective, always showing the important discussions between the men in muffled wide shots.

In fact, everything lends itself to "Meek's Cutoff's" narrative perspective, which is what makes it work. All of the performances, minus the award worthy acting by Bruce Greenwood (who hides himself under a bunch of hair), are understated.

Hell, for the kind of character Greenwood is portraying, his performance is understated too. He's a legend of the west, and has the personality of it. His personality just happens to fall below Eastwoodian iconicism, which fits the mark perfectly for someone trying to play a role set in a reality-driven view of the west.