FilmBath 2024: ‘Lone Star’ Review
Stars: Chris Cooper, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Elizabeth Peña, Joe Morton, Stephen Mendillo, Oni Faida Lampley | Written and Directed by John Sayles
A major figure in independent filmmaking, writer/director John Sayles began his career working with the legendary Roger Corman and is now considered one of the greatest screenwriters in film history. One of his best-regarded works is his tenth feature, Lone Star, a masterpiece which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay. Despite such glowing reviews, lacking availability made this film a struggle to watch for the longest time, although that has thankfully been rectified due to a Criterion release. As part of Cinema Rediscovered on Tour, this film was available to see on the big screen across the UK and Ireland, and it is thanks to FilmBath that I received the opportunity to see this for myself.
Opening in the desert, two off-duty sergeants find their exploration of the local wildlife interrupted by a surprising discovery; a skeleton. Rio County’s local sheriff, Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper), soon discovers that the remains belong to Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson), an infamously corrupt sheriff who disappeared decades prior. Through this murder mystery, Sam unearths long-buried secrets which allows him to learn more about his father, the former sheriff who replaced Wade, Buddy Deeds (a then-unknown Matthew McConaughey).
Situating his tale near the Mexican border, Sayles brings alive a story within the fictional town of Frontera, Texas. Tensions linger amidst the many residents of different races, in a town where white people are no longer considered the majority. Revealing conversations highlight a bartender longing for times when the sheriff would warn a mixed-race couple regarding interracial relations, while a nightclub remains the only place in town where Black soldiers are welcome. People may like to think that they are more progressive than previous generations, yet recent events keep showing how this is a mask for real issues that go unaddressed for far too long.
In fact, Sayles uses this tale to confront tough topics, such as how jails are often created for moneymaking purposes, or deconstructing the idea of a border, and how that envisioned line is to be crossed in hopes of a better life. These ideas could feel like a lecture in lesser hands, yet Sayles mixes gripping writing with exceptional filmmaking across a tightly woven plot. There are also times when a fantastic performance in front of the camera is all that is needed to convey the point and does so perfectly. Most impressive is the seamless transition between past and present, eschewing visible cuts to show the impact across blurring timelines.
It is a fantastic tale where exceptional performances bring alive the complex characters, but standing tall among the cast is Chris Cooper. He captures Sam’s struggle at working in the role that made his father so revered, while understanding that his hiring was to capitalize on his father’s good reputation. Yet, no matter how much he hears about the revered legacy of Buddy Deeds, it does not match the son’s memories of the father he hated. As he delves into the murder mystery, Sam is left wondering if his father could be responsible for murder.
Through the various characters which make up this town’s tapestry, it is examined how present-day people are impacted by things set in motion long ago, often by their ancestors. As a result, what remains are generational scars left by parental deceit, and altered history that create false heroes to placate white people who would rather ignore dreadful truths.
History may be written by the winners, but it cannot hide the impact left by such purposeful deception. That leaves the final line to hit with considerable impact, cutting through such wrong-headed reverence for an altered view of history that ultimately serves as white supremacist propaganda. It may be almost 30 years since its release, but Lone Star remains relevant to this day.
***** 5/5
Lone Star screened as part of Cinema Rediscovered on Tour at this year’s FilmBath Festival.
