Review of Shotgun Stories (2007) by Jacob M — 30 Jun 2013

Shotgun Stories is a film with a lot of depth. It really does a good job of channeling the inner thoughts and feelings of violent people. These people didn't start violent, they didn't decide to become this way, it was just the deep feelings of hatred that fueled their transformation into a person willing to kill to protect the people they love and care for.

Michael Shannon leads the cast of not too well known actors who do an amazing job in this film. The highlight is for sure the performances by everyone (especially Shannon). I have grown to enjoy Michael Shannon in movies and I'm at the point where I will look for a movie with him in it and see it just for him. Even Man of Steel was elevated a bit by his performance, he never disappoints. I would also like to see the rest of the cast in more than just this. None of them are very well known, but I think they could all give something to the industry. Two thumbs up to the performances.

The story was a bit familiar, but like a great movie should be, it overcame that with it's other amazing aspects. It's shaped around revenge, but it doesn't focus on one person on his search for it. This movie shows how hatred and revenge grow after you have had it and your enemies want to come back at you. It also has a sense of hesitation too. the characters don't want to do this in the beginning, but the hatred just builds and builds to a point of collapse and its disturbing.

Shotgun Stories is a compelling and thoughtfully told story of violent people doing violent things to one another. It digs deep to the very basis of hatred and how it can grow to uncontrollable proportions. It's more of a warning, because of what comes from it.