Some Western movies manage to stay perfect from start to finish by widening their scope and following the varied experiences of multiple characters whose lives are intertwined. A ragtag group going on an adventure because they share a common cause is a common premise in Western movies, especially from the genre’s bygone classic era, when it had just been invented.
The Western movies that are considered masterpieces often also follow multiple characters but in different plotlines that eventually cross over with each other. One such Western movie came out in 2018, with an incredible ensemble cast that delivers great performances. It follows four characters across two separate story threads that eventually intersect before reaching a slow conclusion.
The Sisters Brothers Turns 8 This Year
Jacques Audiard’s 2018 movie, The Sisters Brothers, which he co-wrote with Thomas Bidegain, is based on the Patrick DeWitt novel of the same name. It follows the titular Sisters brothers, Eli Sisters and Charlie Sisters, during their pursuit of a gold prospector whom the town’s commodore wants captured and killed. Detective John Morris has been following the man as well.
The detective leaves behind clues and leads for the brothers, whose job is to kill the man, because the detective refuses to do it. The Sisters brothers are known for their gunmanship and are notorious assassins. The movie’s way of establishing this is far more exciting than having characters reiterate it and exchange lore about them, which is fairly common.
Throughout the movie, at regular intervals, the Sisters brothers get caught in shootouts that seem impossible to survive, and despite being outnumbered, the two of them are repeatedly triumphant at defeating their multiple foes. This helps build the surrounding mythos, allowing audiences to witness why the characters are so reputed as gunmen and are paid to hunt down other men.
The Movie Stars Four Major Actors
The gold prospector, Hermann Kermit Warm, is played by Riz Ahmed. His introduction initially paints a mysterious picture that only deepens after he reveals his unique means of prospecting. The man chasing him, Detective John Morris, is played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Morris is initially focused on his mission, but after spending time with Hermann, his intentions gradually start changing.
Of the Sisters brothers, John C. Riley plays Eli, while Joaquin Phoenix plays Charlie. The two characters have vastly differing personalities, as Charlie is abrasive, suffers from alcoholism, believes he is doomed, and loves his lifestyle of chasing and killing men, while Eli is gentlemanly, sober, optimistic, and wants to leave his bounty hunting days behind in pursuit of romantic love.
The Sisters Brothers Has Beautiful Cinematography
It is natural for large-scale Western movies to feature expansive images of sprawling landscapes. It is also a staple of any good adventure movie. The Sisters Brothers is no exception, and DOP Benoît Debie’s efforts in portraying the splendid but dangerous places the characters visit pay off. The immersive journey of the brothers is improved by the background scenery’s magnificence.
The Sisters Brothers is an underrated 2010s Western movie you have likely not seen, and its visuals are likely its most underrated aspect among those who have seen it and love it. The movie captures the nightlife of the few cities the brothers visit with a vibrance and energy befitting the mood of the drunk townspeople who dance all night.
The Sisters Brothers Is A Surprisingly Funny Western
The Sisters Brothers doesn’t shy away from exploring the humor in the awkward experiences of the brothers during their travels. John C. Riley’s iconic comic timing is on full display, and his chemistry with Joaquin Phoenix makes them one of the best brother duos in film history. Joaquin Phoenix’s typical clumsy physical humor almost feels unintentional and complements Riley’s style.
When they meet with Morris and Warm, the film becomes funnier because Riz Ahmed and Jake Gyllenhaal, who are considerably more serious until that point, also demonstrate their comedic talents in sync with the other actors. The group of four has a wholesome dynamic, and their exchanges range from ridiculous to heartwarming, but always with a witty sense of humor.
The Movie Should Be More Popular
Westerns are a widely popular movie genre, so the fact that a contemplative one that is full of action, comedy, emotions, adventure, and features such a stacked cast isn’t more popular confuses me. It is true that the movie’s ending is disappointing by Western standards, but that shouldn’t be a reason such a fun and subversive Western remains underrated.
All four of the lead and main supporting actors display their full ranges in the movie, which is aesthetically and narratively a classic Western but simultaneously a subversive take on the genre. The humorous use of coincidence and the emotional conclusion to the Sisters brothers’ stories deserve more appreciation, too.