Americana Blu-ray Review
“Americana” deserves more attention.
Written and directed by Tony Tost, “Americana” is a neo-noir/crime thriller/modern western/dark comedy/heist film. It’s an ensemble piece revolving around a stolen valuable Lakota Ghost Shirt that is wanted by multiple parties for different reasons. Among those interested in the shirt are the lonely Lefty and a stuttering waitress (Penny) who wants to become a country music singer, Western antiques dealer Roy, the thieves who stole it in the first place looking for a pay day (Dillon and Fun Dave), Mandy (the girlfriend of the abusive Dillon), a Native American group led by Ghost Eye. There’s also a key subplot involving Mandy’s western obsessed son Cal who believes he is the reincarnation of Sitting Bull.
Forget about the poor box office PR, “Americana” is a film worth seeing. Yes, the film is heavily inspired by the work of Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Bros., but it has its own identity. It’s a riveting multi-genre piece with quirky characters and well-written dialogue. Any film that has a monologue about “Ghost Dog” is an automatic winner in my book. Props to you, Tony Tost.
“Americana” also happens to be a movie with a lot on its mind. It’s a story about culture, American history, the American dream, identity, love, cults, and so much more. It’s a thoughtful film that’s about the past as much as it’s about the present even with its eccentricities.
The cast is absolutely stacked with talent. Paul Walter Hauser is having a prolific year to say the least. He’s fast becoming an actor who is capable of lead or supporting roles in any genre. Sydney Sweeney gives one of her best performances as Penny. Halsey gives a surprisingly deep performance as Mandy. Zahn McClarnon of “Fargo” and “Dark Winds” fame steals the show as Ghost Eye. He has all the best lines. Simon Rex continues his career renaissance as the memorable Roy. Gavin Maddox Bergman impresses as the kid Cal. It’s a tough role for a young actor, but he nails it. Eric Dane is chilling as the bad guy Dillon.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a sharp hi-def transfer that maintains the print grain.
Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? A clean Atmos track that really comes alive during gunfights.
Extras include commentary by Tony Tost, a digital copy, a DVD copy, a theatrical trailer, and a featurette titled “A Western Fairy Tale: The Making Of Americana” featuring interviews, film clips, and discussions about the film itself.
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