Meek's Cutoff is a slice of life western, based on a true events relating to Oregonian trails, one of which was... I don't think "blazed" is the right word here... in 1845 by a guide called Meek who got part of a caravan completely lost in the desert. We come into the film in the middle of things and opt out before there's a solid resolution (though there's definitely a character arc at play), definitely a story on slow burn, more procedural than true survival film. And part of the inaction of it comes from using the women's point of view. Kept away from decision making most of the way through, we hear many conversations from afar (the film benefits from activating subtitles, at least from a clarity standpoint) and spend time on the fringes of the lost convoy. Somehow, it retains an acceptable measure of tension, especially once the group captures a Native who will either take them to water or to their deaths, but many audiences will be left thirsty.
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Comments 1 - 8 of 8
flaiky
The reason to watch this film is the stunning visuals. Every frame looks like a painting.Siskoid
Meek's Cutoff is a slice of life western, based on a true events relating to Oregonian trails, one of which was... I don't think "blazed" is the right word here... in 1845 by a guide called Meek who got part of a caravan completely lost in the desert. We come into the film in the middle of things and opt out before there's a solid resolution (though there's definitely a character arc at play), definitely a story on slow burn, more procedural than true survival film. And part of the inaction of it comes from using the women's point of view. Kept away from decision making most of the way through, we hear many conversations from afar (the film benefits from activating subtitles, at least from a clarity standpoint) and spend time on the fringes of the lost convoy. Somehow, it retains an acceptable measure of tension, especially once the group captures a Native who will either take them to water or to their deaths, but many audiences will be left thirsty.Louis Mazzini
A masterpiece. One of the greatest westerns ever.boulderman
If I had known the story, even at the beginning of the film that would have helped immensely. As it is, not that interestingBolero Tenebris
Intriguing and sort of hypnotic overall - a feel that something extraordinary will happen towards the end, but leaves much to be desired.mook
Real life based Western as pioneers go off trail... Nicely shot and a realistic feel, but too slow & meandering. 4/10.Dukefrukem
Tension was good, ending was poor.Kublai Khan
Great movie, but why is the aspect ratio so bad?