Location: Chicago, IL
"Madsen Family Matters"
Directed by Bennett Miller
Written by Eric Roth
Produced by Bennett Miller and Michael London
Cinematography by Adam Kimmel
Edited by Michael Kahn
Music by Thomas Newman
Main Cast
Emile Hirsch (Billy Madsen)
Tommy Lee Jones (Walker Madsen)
Harry Dean Stanton (Richard Madsen)
Martin Donovan (Dale Madsen)
Cheryl Hines (Margine Madsen)
Paul Dano (Robert Madsen)
Max Thieriot (Richard Madsen)
Joe Don Baker (Burt Sommerson)
Margo Martindale (Luanne Sommerson)
Ryan Gosling (Paul Williams)
Tagline: "When it comes down to it, that's all that matters"
Synopsis: Billy Madsen (Hirsch) knows about his large family. He, his mother (Hines), father (Donovan), grandfather (Stanton), and two brothers (Dano, Thieriot) all live in a tiny ranch house in Southern Nevada. Their life isn't extravegant, but they enjoy the simple things in life which do include riding a horse, performing carpentry around the house, and gazing at the warm Nevada skyline. Then, about a week ago, the Madsen family get an invitation in the mail about an upcoming family reunion in Arizona. So they pack up their bags and take the next Greyhound to Arizona.
Upon their arrival at the reunion, they come across a wide range of distant relatives, such as Uncle Bill and Aunt Marion, the “sophisti-cats” from California, Cousin Bob, who owns a peach orchard near Vegas, and Great-Uncle Spoke, the man with one eye, a bad knee and high powered hearing aids with a failing battery. But there is one family member the Madsen clan didn't expect to see: William “Walker” Madsen (Jones).
Walker is the estranged brother of Richard, who has had a falling out with his brother ever since his drunk driving accident killed Richard's wife, Billie. Now Walker lives on an isolated ranch near Wyoming with a live-in helper (Gosling) who has also come up to see the family. The reason for Walker's visit is that he has been diagnosed with cancer, and before he retires to Mexico, he wanted to attempt a reconciliation with his brother. Billy because fascinated by his great-uncle and starts a bond with him. They both fix up a broken table in his hotel room and take long trips on horseback to gaze at the beautiful skyline. Eventually, Walker has the face-to-face confrontation with his brother and it is less than successful. He doesn't get his brother's forgivness, though. So he and Paul end up leaving a day before the reunion ends, and Billy only watches as this mysterious man becomes even more mysterious in the distance.
What the Press would say:
Director Bennett Miller provides yet another masterful work of art to his collection. His direction is portrayed as simple, yet dignified and sophisticated. Miller uses his personal touches from Capote-hand-held camera shakes, closeups-to create a feeling of closeness and intimacy between all of the characters. The entire ensemble also does a fantastic job at showcasing their talent, and many do stand out. While the story may center around Emile Hirsch's “Billy,” it is Tommy Lee Jones who truly carries the film's emotional core. Jones doesn't need to say much, but his quiet persona, stern looks and southern dialect can say much more than most other actors. We as the audience can see all the turmoil, disappointment and pain in his soul by just gazing into Jones's eyes. Another standout is Harry Dean Stanton. Stanton is a delight very early on as the well-together grandfather who keeps his family together; he is amazing when seeing his brother reminds him of his deceased wife (for whom Billy is named after) and pours his soul out to describe his still lasting affection for her; and he is truly triumphant when he lets it all out with stern and abusive final confrontation with his brother. Both Jones and Stanton are terrific actors in their own right and work well toghether here. Eric Roth also creates a story that touches on many emotions that makes us empathize with the characters. Technical points are scored when we listen to the simple, Western-esqe score from Thomas Newman and view the amazing landscape cinematography of dusk-time Arizona from Adam Kimmel. The campaign consideration:
Best Picture
Best Director: Bennett Miller
Best Actor: Tommy Lee Jones
Best Supporting Actor: Harry Dean Stanton
Best Original Screenplay: Eric Roth
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score
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