03.11.2001 - World Premiere
The Journeyman
Wow.
Last night, Richard and I attended the directorial debut
& world premiere by Texas filmmaker, James Crowley.
The film The Journeyman is a
western shot in far west Texas on an incredibly economical budget. The movie
chronicles the life of two brothers who lose their father to a local mogul / crime boss
who doesn't like sodbusters.
The older more combative brother ultimately joins up with
the bad guys and ends of in a vicious cycle of violence and addiction trying to expiate
his own pain and suffering. Little Brother is rescued by a priest and eventually joins the
priesthood yet must search for his brother and reconcile the violence of his existence
with his blood loyalty to family.
Overall the action of the movie holds the viewer and the
vistas and production values are solid. Some of the "scenic" shots become so
common and recurring as to seem somewhat self indulgent. It is obvious that the director
has worked on some big films and had the opportunity to see a "big budget" film
being produced.
I think that the plot is solid but some of the pacing of
the film is sporadic and personally I would have liked to see more development of at least
the younger brothers character. It was not clear even in the end what his motivation
was for his journey.
This is a classic tale of "Good and Evil" and the
relative impact each has on human relationships. The story is told in a creative and
interesting manner. The dialogue is witty and humorous without being gimmicky or hokey.
With a little fine tuning I believe you will see this movie
in a theatre within the next 12-18 months.
Look for it - you won't be disappointed.
Rick McCauley
Last night, my father and I went to the world premiere of The
Journeyman.
The hype for this movie was pretty impressive. Though it
was the directorial debut of James Crowley, Crowley himself is fairly well-known
throughout the film community.
The Journeyman follows a
mysterious stranger, whom throughout the movie can't seem to kill enough people. Through
various flashback sequences you discover who he is.
The camera work on this movie was phenominal! Beautiful
shots of distinctly Texas scenery prevail throughout the course of this 100 minute
masterpiece.
The Journeyman is filled with
characters that you either love, or love to hate. Witty and comical - as well as serious.
Overall, I would recommend The Journeyman to anyone who likes
Westerns - or even those who don't.
Richard McCauley
