Mud Review

Mud

3 stars out of 4

By Brett Takeshita

One of the best reviewed movies of the year is Mud. It is certified "fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes with 99% positive reviews. Some critics are saying that it's the best American film so far this year. I imagine that it will end up on many "best films of 2013" lists and will sweep at the Independent Spirit Awards. All of the praise that Mud is receiving -- and undoubtedly will receive in the future -- is justified. This is a great film. 

Mud follows two teenage boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). One day, the two best friends venture off towards a little island on the Mississippi River after discovering a strange boat lodged into a tree. While inspecting the boat, they realize that Mud (Matthew McConaughey), a mysterious yet charming individual, lives alone on the island. No one knows that he is there. The two boys form an interesting relationship with Mud, one that transcends understanding. Soon, the boys are helping this stranger with his messy life. They seek to reunite him with his true love, Juniper (Reese Witherspoon), and help him avoid the townspeople who want to kill him for murdering a seemingly innocent man. 

Writer-director Jeff Nichols shows tremendous talent with Mud. I can't think of any other directors who understand geography and "place" as much as he does. He breathes such life into his Arkansas setting and makes it feel so authentic. Everything, from the moody outdoor locations to the impeccable production design, is so carefully and wonderfully selected. The beautiful cinematography enhances the mood and quality of the film. With his writing, Nichols creates characters that feel so real. Never do Ellis and Neckbone come across as precocious or cliched little boys. These are tough guys trying to understand the life that they have been given. Their parents and the other adults of the town do not talk down to these kids. They speak to them as mature adults, for they lead gritty lives and are too busy with their own problems to coddle these kids. Everything about this film seems so real and natural, and that's what makes Nichols' writing and direction so outstanding.

Another interesting aspect of Nichols' filmmaking is his timing and rhythm. Similar to Nichols' exceptional film Take Shelter, Mud takes its time in order to evoke a very specific mood. It moves at its own pace and doesn't feel the need to rush to tell the compelling story. While I found that the film started a little slow for my taste, I found the pacing to be quite refreshing. It rejects the Hollywood route of fast pacing and quick editing, and I commend Nichols for taking a path that is not conventional. (It is worth noting that the film builds to a very exciting climax, filled with plenty of action and drama. The final act moves quickly and differentiates itself from the leisurely pace of the rest of the film, but that is a good thing, too).

The performances in this film are superb. Tye Sheridan has to do some heavy-lifting with his role, and he does it masterfully. He is innocent at one moment and fierce at the next. He plays his character with intelligence and grace. Jacob Lofland is skilled at being the tough kid with a good heart. The chemistry between these two boys is amazing. I don't say this often: it truly doesn't feel like they are acting. They are simply living these characters, and they come across as entirely authentic on screen. Matthew McConaughey continues with his string of dark and masterful performances with Mud. He is proving that he is an actor that is more than just eye-candy for the ladies. He is complex and daring, and I won't be surprised if he is nominated for some "best actor" awards come next award season. Reese Witherspoon is excellent as always with this damaged and confused character who is at times sympathetic and at other times unlikable. We also get some tremendous supporting work from Sarah Paulson, Sam Shepard, Ray McKinnon, and Michael Shannon (giving his most refreshingly laid-back performance in quite some time).

Mud is like poetry that is complex and evocative. It engages the mind and leaves a lasting impression upon you. Despite a slow start and a long running time that could have used some trimming, this is a film like no other. I doubt that you will see too many other independent films right now that are as good as this one. Three stars out of four.