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| Natalie Portman |
Welcome to the weekly column Trailing Off in which I take a look at a trailer from the past week and analyze its potential. This will be done using an obnoxious amount of analyzing and personal thoughts on the cast and crew as well as expectations. Coming every Sunday (it's called Trailing Off for a reason), I will attempt to highlight films ranging from new blockbusters to lesser known indies and give them their due. Partially to spread awareness, I do believe that there is an art to the sell and will do my best to highlight why these trailers matter or don't with approval (trove) or disapproval (trash). So please stop by, recommend some trailers, and I will see you next time.
Trailer in Discussion
Directed By: Gavin O'Connor
Written By: Brian Duffield & Anthony Tambakis & Joel Edgerton (Screenplay), Brian Duffield (Story)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Rodrigo Santoro
- Preamble -
When coming up with the selections for this list, it often comes into a challenge of what I would be most curious about on any given week. For me, the idea of Jane Got a Gun is hard to pass up for a few reasons. The most notable is that it's Natalie Portman; who is an actress that I generally enjoy seeing. Add in the premise of a western, and you get a movie that's at least worthy of a peek. Even if this movie wasn't high only list of anticipation, it still is one that looked to be promising.
If you're at all familiar with the news cycle, it is likely that you know of this film's problematic history. It has been in production delays for quite some time, so it is a miracle that there's a final product. This does have me skeptical, especially with three writers attached. Even then, it will be interesting to see if this is one of those films that uses failure to their advantage, or if it's simply a story that didn't need to be told. Considering the lack of viability in westerns nowadays, I'm not entirely sure what the reason would be beyond that it's a really good story.
I don't have a lot of expectations other than that I know of its rugged history and am approaching with a hesitant interest. I don't know all of the specifics regarding the film's history, but I do know that it's usually a bad sign - even with great names attached. If it means anything, I hope that it looks good despite whatever comes afterwards. Westerns have always had a soft spot with me and this year's Slow West is a great example of the genre being done right. Now, to see if this is one that joins that selective echelon.
- Dissection -
I know that the one setback is that it isn't an American trailer, so who knows when it will actually make it state side. However, I must admit that it does a great job of getting me excited. I will start with the cinematography. At the very least, the movie is very well shot and I enjoyed looking at the various sets and costumes that were arranged for the film. I am sure that the director has a good head on his shoulders and while some of the explosions looked a little out of place, it still looks to be a testament to the genre of which it exists in. I especially like the horse riding scenes, in which silhouettes nicely match the background. There's an artistic bent to this that I generally enjoy.
As for the actual story, I think that the trailer works in spite of itself. I don't know that it necessarily sets up its premise very well. However, I love the idea of a feminist western, which is an infrequent genre and was last heard from with Meek's Cutoff several years ago. I think that the promise of Natalie Portman seeking revenge is also very promising. Even if this ends up just being an excuse for stylized set pieces, it does have a lot of energy, and the cast looks game. I love that Portman seems like an intimidating mother in the trailer and will do anything for her child.
As a whole, I do think that this is a trailer that could go either way in terms of quality. It's beautiful and has an interesting idea, but its history already comes to mind. What was wrong with it that it needed delays? At very least, it's guaranteeing that I may one day watch it, even if it's just on cable somewhere. To me, this is a pretty good trailer for a film that can either just be pure entertainment, or has a deep and more philosophical message about parenting underneath. I'm still skeptical, but it hasn't shaken me to bet against the film just yet.
As for the actual story, I think that the trailer works in spite of itself. I don't know that it necessarily sets up its premise very well. However, I love the idea of a feminist western, which is an infrequent genre and was last heard from with Meek's Cutoff several years ago. I think that the promise of Natalie Portman seeking revenge is also very promising. Even if this ends up just being an excuse for stylized set pieces, it does have a lot of energy, and the cast looks game. I love that Portman seems like an intimidating mother in the trailer and will do anything for her child.
As a whole, I do think that this is a trailer that could go either way in terms of quality. It's beautiful and has an interesting idea, but its history already comes to mind. What was wrong with it that it needed delays? At very least, it's guaranteeing that I may one day watch it, even if it's just on cable somewhere. To me, this is a pretty good trailer for a film that can either just be pure entertainment, or has a deep and more philosophical message about parenting underneath. I'm still skeptical, but it hasn't shaken me to bet against the film just yet.
- One Sentence Sell -
Natalie Portman stars in a western that looks to be a fun revenge story with beautiful scenery and compelling performances.
- Trove or Trash -
TROVE
As mentioned, I am still skeptical on if the film will be a masterpiece. However, it hasn't stopped me from thinking that it might at very least be an entertaining film worthy of a watch.
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