Lone Star (1996)

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Sam Deeds	Chris Cooper
Pilar Cruz	Elisabeth Peña
Charlie Wade	Kris Kristofferson
Buddy Deeds	Matthew McConaughey
Hollis Pogue	Clifton James
Otis Payne	Ron Canada
Delmore Payne	Joe Morton
Mercedes Cruz	Míriam Colón
Danny Padilla	Jesse Borrego	½
Ray	Tony Plana	-
Young Hollis	Jeff Monahan	½
Bunny	Frances McDormand

Review

John Sayles, who made a name for himself as one of the most important independent filmmakers in the business during the 1980s and 90s, reached something of a commercial zenith with this slow-paced, meticulous study of the clash of three cultures over a span of four decades in a small Texas border-town. Structured as a contemplative mystery film, Lone Star is rich on characters and character relations, and Sayles utilises his familiar low-key dramatic style to slowly unfold his story – a story that may be meandering at times, but that never seizes to interest or make sense. It is Sayles' understanding of social mechanisms and the human psyche which is Lone Star's number one asset, and although the mystery as such may be slight, the subject matters Sayles tackles on his way to his conclusion are not; ranging from segregation, corruption and social conditions to lost love and mid-life crises. Sayles seasons his film with some elegant camerawork to let his narrative slide seamlessly in and out of flashbacks – and with a handful of strong performances by an interesting mixture of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming stars, including the late Elisabeth Peña, a delightful Kris Kristofferson, and the ever-dependable Sayles' favourite Chris Cooper.