Review of Meek's Cutoff (2011) by Jack S — 06 May 2011

In reviewing Kelly Reichardt's previous feature, Wendy and Lucy, I wrote, "For people who want movies to be novels, probably not enough happens. For those who are OK with cinematic short stories, Kelly's doing real well." With Meek's Cutoff, Reichardt delivers another not-too-cheery short story, and further cements herself as one of my absolute favorite current directors.

Once again, her pace is oh so slow. All the traditional hallmarks of a Western are here: cowboys, Indians, horses, guns, wagons. But it's stripped away to the bare bones, to what I imagine a 19th-century journey west was really like: slow, arduous, repetitive.

The theme here? Maybe it's that our desire for someone to lead the way is matched by our desire to have someone to point fingers at. Serving both roles here are the titular Meek (hired to guide three couples westward) and a captured Indian (who might lead them to water...or death).

Strong performances abound. Michelle Williams, who was so excellent in Wendy and Lucy, gives a very different but equally terrific portrayal here, as the "modern" woman who takes a stand. Bruce Greenwood does nice work as Meek: likable when he's the target, cruel when he's the hunter. Paul Dano turns in nice subtle work, as does an anxious Zoe Kazan.

The camerawork is excellent as well, reveling in the bleak landscapes.

I know that perfectly reasonable will dislike this movie. Am thinking back to an argument I had about Reichardt's first movie, Old Joy. I'm ready to argue again, because I loved this.