Lone Star Criterion 4K UHD Review
“Lone Star” is one of the best films from director John Sayles.
Set in the Texas border town of Frontera, 1996’s “Lone Star” is an ensemble modern western. The story begins with the discovery of a skull and a badge in the desert which leads to an investigation by Sheriff Sam Deeds (the son of former Sheriff Buddy Deeds who casts a long shadow). Sam begins to learn the truth about what happened and also discovers family secrets along the way. Elsewhere in this story are key subplots (often interconnected) about an U.S. Army Colonel (Delmore), Delmore’s student son (Chet), Delmore’s father Otis (who owns a club), a Mexican teacher (Pilar) who has a romantic history with Sam, Pilar’s mother Mercedes (who runs a restaurant and kept Pilar and Sam apart in their youth), and a corrupt and racist Sheriff in the past (Charlie).
Written and directed by John Sayles (perhaps best known for “Eight Men Out” and “City Of Hope”), “Lone Star” is a rich story about the past and present, secrets, family, generations, and cultures. There’s so much going on here that it often feels like you are watching a TV series or a mini-series because it’s that layered and novelistic.
What’s really striking about “Lone Star” is the approach to storytelling. At its core it’s a deep murder mystery about the past (the mysterious skull and badge), but there’s also so much story going on within the present about Sam, Pilar, and the family of Otis. The past very much informs the present in this particular story as the characters are all dealing with past events (or trying to forget or move on from them). A lot of times flashbacks can be used as a crutch for exposition in films, but Sayles uses them to great effect to tell a generational story in the span of 135 minutes. You have to know about the past here to see how it affects the present.
As mentioned earlier, this is a neo-western and the film definitely incorporates a lot of western motifs (particularly in the flashbacks) even though it’s rooted in the 50’s and 90’s. The lush cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh certainly adds to the western feel.
The cast is loaded with talent such as Chris Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, Frances McDormand, Joe Morton, Kris Kristofferson, Clifton James, Elizabeth Peña, Ron Canada and Miriam Colón. Stand-outs here including Kris Kristofferson (who is chilling as the nasty former Sheriff), Chris Cooper (who gives a very understated and poignant performance) and Elizabeth Peña (superb as Pilar).
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p With Dolby Vision HDR. How does it look? From the opening desert scene it’s clear that this brand new 4K digital restoration is a stunner. The film looks brand new due to the fact that the transfer is so crisp.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The audio also fares well here with a clean 2.0 audio experience.
Extras (On The Blu-ray):
* Blu-ray copy
* A booklet featuring credits and an essay by Professor/author Domino Renee Perez.
* “Lone Star” trailer
* A newly recorded 18 minute interview with cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh who talks about making “Lone Star” and his life and career.
* A newly recorded 38 minute conversation between director John Sayles and fellow filmmaker Gregory Nava that touches on indie cinema, the themes of “Lone Star,” filmmaking techniques, casting, and more.
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