What a powerful film! Directed by and featuring Tommy Lee Jones this is a tale of the killing of a 'wetback' (illegal immigrant) and subsequent transport of his body to his 'home'. It isn't as straightforward as that, of course.The film is a series of flashbacks around the central theme of Melguides being carried through Texas and into Mexico by his kidnapped killer (played brilliantly by Barry Pepper) a wayward Border Patrolman. Gruesomely the eponymous Melquiades is dug up and decays before our eyes. A brilliant portrayal of male relationships (between Melgquiades played by Julio Cedillo and his employer played bt Tommy Lee Jones), obsessional behaviour, man's inhumanity to man (Pepper's thuggish attitudes towards the immigrants he is trying to prevent from entering the United States), and small town life (boredom and inter dependence).
Although Tommy Lee Jones is good Pepper is outstanding. I recommend this film very highly.
1 comment:
Sounds great.
I saw a movie yesterday called Brick. I think it'll be the cult picture this year.
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