"Lone Star" has the distinction of being probably the only movie ever shot in Eagle Pass, TX. Nor is that its only distinction.
Sam Deeds, the reluctant sheriff of fictional Rio County, TX, investigates a 40-year-old mystery when a human skeleton turns up in the desert. The body is identified as Charlie Wade, thug, murderer, racist goon -- and former sheriff, missing since 1957 or so. The investigation seems to cast suspicion on Buddy Deeds, Wade's successor, who became a local hero of legendary status -- to everyone except his son Sam. The resolution of the mystery reminds one of the conclusion of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."
En route to that resolution, the movie takes an unhurried and unsentimental look at the dynamics and tensions of race -- white, Mexican, black, and Indian -- in a waning border town. A fine cast helps: Chris Cooper is Sam Deeds; Elizabeth Pena is his main squeeze and then some; and Frances McDormand is memorable in a one-scene role as Sam's ex-wife Bunny, an avid Dallas Cowboys fan accurately described as "highly-strung." In extensive flashbacks, Kris Kristofferson is Charlie Wade and Matthew McConaughey is Buddy Deeds.
A sad but absorbing story, "Lone Star" has the ring of truth.
Sam Deeds, the reluctant sheriff of fictional Rio County, TX, investigates a 40-year-old mystery when a human skeleton turns up in the desert. The body is identified as Charlie Wade, thug, murderer, racist goon -- and former sheriff, missing since 1957 or so. The investigation seems to cast suspicion on Buddy Deeds, Wade's successor, who became a local hero of legendary status -- to everyone except his son Sam. The resolution of the mystery reminds one of the conclusion of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance."
En route to that resolution, the movie takes an unhurried and unsentimental look at the dynamics and tensions of race -- white, Mexican, black, and Indian -- in a waning border town. A fine cast helps: Chris Cooper is Sam Deeds; Elizabeth Pena is his main squeeze and then some; and Frances McDormand is memorable in a one-scene role as Sam's ex-wife Bunny, an avid Dallas Cowboys fan accurately described as "highly-strung." In extensive flashbacks, Kris Kristofferson is Charlie Wade and Matthew McConaughey is Buddy Deeds.
A sad but absorbing story, "Lone Star" has the ring of truth.