Review of Slow West (2015) by Alasdair B — 29 Jun 2015

As of late, westerns have made a resurgence in the film industry. The Magnificent Seven and True Grit (1969) are iconic westerns that have paved the way for the genre. In the 1960's, a new type of western was introduced: they are known as spaghetti westerns. These spaghetti westerns have become increasingly popular today. Recently, Quentin Tarantino released his own spaghetti western, Django Unchained. It's been a few years since I've seen a great western film, but finally we have another. "Slow West" is directed by John Maclean. The cast includes Michael Fassbender, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Ben Mendelsohn, and Rory McCann.

Jay Cavendish (McPhee) is a young Scottish immigrant seeking his sweetheart Rose in the west of America. Along the way, Jay encounters a ruffian named Silas (Fassbender). Silas agrees to escort Jay-provided he pays him-west to find his girl. When the two travelers happen upon a roadside store, Silas notices a WANTED poster, calling for a $2,000 bounty of John and Rose Ross.

Michael Fassbender is an extraordinary actor. He gave a fine performance in the iconic 2013 film, 12 Years A Slave. He was particularly good in last year's, Frank in which Fassbender plays an eccentric musician who wears a paper mache head. He's got a wide range, and he's very good in this film. Alongside Fassbender is young Kodi Smit-McPhee, known for his smaller roles in The Road and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. I was pleasantly surprised by McPhee's solid performance. His character and Fassbender's are strikingly different, and they clash brilliantly. The young wide eyed youth searching for meaning, venturing with a rough worn down cowboy is a great dynamic. Last but not least, Ben Mendelsohn makes a small appearance in the film. Mendelsohn has been popping up everywhere in these small roles. I first saw him in Christopher Nolan's, The Dark Knight Rises. He played a very unpleasant character. In fact, he is now known for playing very unpleasant characters, and he's great at playing them.

Any good western has to have memorable characters, atmospheric vibes, and bloody gun fights. Slow West has all three. The film also has subtle themes about the changing times. In a line to Silas, Jay mentions the writings of Charles Darwin. This is the time period in America when new and fantastic ideas are just waiting on the horizon. Jay encompasses the coming change to a savage and harsh country. I will admit, the film is a bit slow-pun not intended. Despite periods of slowness, the film succeedes in providing both the action and the grit.

"Slow West" is a solid western thriller. Michael Fassbender and McFee give great central performances, and director John Maclean directs the film with steady precision. While the film sometimes wandered into a slow pace, it was never boring. The script is strong, and the cinematography is a work of art.