Red Dirt (2000) User Reviews

Great story, pretty good film

[pimponbro · 7/10 · 23 May 2003]

While I do agree with many of the comments others had on the subject they have little affect on the overall impact of the film. Even the actors accents which all sound different - a cross between Australian and Bostonian and are often labored become less obstructive as the plot progresses.

Some would probably have liked this film to be more overtly gay or a Cinderella feel or the very least more nudity, might mask their disappointment by nitpicking about the pitfalls of the story,dialogue, characters and technicals. That's the only reason I can see for this film getting such a low rating and the ranting by some.

I don't disagree with many of the other comments made on the technicals of the filming, editing or characterization, but I was not disappointed in the end by any means nor do I think any of these technical drawbacks ruin one of the best love stories I've ever seen.

Another example of why cousins shouldn't marry

[Havan_IronOak · 5/10 · 19 December 2001]

This movie starts with a scene of incest and the main storyline involves a relationship with gay overtones. Add in rampant agoraphobia, illegitimate children and suffering and simmering in the heat and you have another movie that depicts that uniquely Southern life that writers seem fascinated with. Of course it never existed in real life and always will depending on whom you talk to.

The movie does a good job of evoking, then wallowing in, this feeling but many of the character's actions seem unmotivated and unfathomable to this Yankee.

Better late than never review

[jaroslaw99 · 6/10 · 9 March 2015]

I watched this film when it was brand new and I was interested in anything with male/male content since there didn't seem to be much at the local video rental place. I watched most of it again last night, skimming through particularly boring parts.

This was disappointing in that it moved so slowly, yes to capture the mood of the backward, rural South - but I personally didn't need 90 minutes of it to catch on to that. There is little overt gay content, although I agree EVERY gay movie doesn't need an explicit sex scene or drinking or drugs which this one didn't. A good number of reviewers (and I read all of them) tended to be harsh - I didn't think the accents were so terrible and I have lots of relatives in southern Ohio, Tenn and Kentucky that speak very similarly. I also assert Montgomery and Goggins were both amazing actors as well as Karen Black.

I especially agreed with one reviewer who was the only one to point out the selfishness and evil the women in this film perpetrated on the male characters. And while happy endings are not required, I did not see why Lee had to run off in such a hurry after finally getting the declaration of love from Griffith he had been waiting forever for? He said himself repeatedly he had no where to go and no timetable. The kiss that finally came at the end was extremely disappointing in its brevity and lack of passion.

John really intrigued me when he put in his review that the writer seemed to take the approach that every male wants a male lover. I didn't see that, I took the film at face value that Griffith was an individual who lived in almost isolation and was unaware of other lifestyle choices. It hardly matters though, as there are so many better films now, this one hardly seems worth the time except the two male leads are so HOT.

A disappointing and incomprehensible ending...........for romantics.

[arizona-philm-phan · 9 February 2006]

SPOILERS++++++SPOILERS+++++++SPOILERS++++++++SPOILERS While an ending's being happy is not a requirement in any good film, it is certainly important that it be comprehensible. And in the case of this film, that ending is completely incomprehensible to me (you know, just doesn't make sense). Here we have an aimless drifter (Lee Todd) who we are led to believe has no particular goal in life, no place he needs to head out to (early on he even says himself: "Hell, I don't even know where I'm headed, exactly." Character Griffth's response: "You're driving without any direction?" Then, Lee: "I was headed this way." Then, Griffith: "East, without any destination?" Finally, Lee: "Yeah.") And, so what happens at film's end (after Griffith's being told a bit of rather astonishing and unsettling relationship news by Karen Black's character) when G. finally realizes and declares his love for Lee, but indicates he cannot leave at this time as they'd planned? Well, what happens is that the busy, busy, suddenly-on-a-mission Lee finds it vital to immediately leave the scene? Duh! Must be he has an appointment with the President of the United States. Plus, I guess it's not at all important that he's just heard the one declaration he'd been hoping to hear from the man he loves. In the final analysis, I do think that Griffith would have gone off with Lee had he not just found out what he did (but for now leaving would have to wait). Therefore, I cannot blame Griffith for the choice he made, at a critical point in his life---I can understand it. What I cannot understand is Lee's final behavior of hurrying up and 'skeedadling.' Perhaps Director Purvis has some reasoning for it (possibly he needed a tragic or unhappy ending?), but it's certainly beyond my comprehension. (Too bad the DVD is missing a Director's Commentary).

Despite my problem concerning logicality of the script, I nevertheless have to recognize one especially notable thing about this production. For me, that is the one actor who truly stands head and shoulders above the others: Walton Goggins. This man brings a very unusual "trembling intensity" to the emotional level he reaches in some scenes......an intensity which builds to the point of being passed to the viewer. A particularly notable example of this is a near end-of-film scene in which he has located Griffith in order to say goodbye. The emotional tenseness in body and voice which he is able to build to, as he apologizes for past acts and feelings expressed to Griffith, reaches an almost overwhelming level, pulling us along into his emotional turmoil. We not only watch and hear what he is saying; we begin to feel what he is feeling. Now, that's acting.

NOTE: One full star has been awarded just for what are, till recently, the most beautifully filmed outdoor scenes ever noted in a production having a major gay theme. The film's Introductory/Credit Roll scenes, as well as other outdoor shots, are absolutely stunning. (The "till recently" refers to the award winning cinematography of Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain")

Seat Belt

[mervmckenny · 6/10 · 6 August 2021]

Seat belt did not work for me. This type of seat belt was not available back in the day.

Beautiful Scenery, Lousy Dialog & Bad Southern Accents

[Dustyart · 4/10 · 15 February 2008]

I don't understand the many good reviews, here. I found the photography and scenery beautiful, and the two lead actors appealing, but there's little else here to recommend this movie. Most annoying are the fake Southern accents and badly written dialog. These do not sound like real people to me. Although it's refreshing to show men exploring various forms of sexuality without the usual labeling and stereotypical character traits, most of the story is without motivation or logic. The only thing that makes very much sense is the responsibility Griffith feels toward his mentally ill Aunt, grossly over-acted by Karen Black. Lee is an interesting character who would have been more compelling had the dialog he was made to speak been more natural and his motivations more clear. Yes, I understand that he's a drifter, but his actions as the movie draws to a rushed conclusion make no sense at all. This movie is worth a look, chiefly because it has a nice atmosphere about it, but it's slow moving and deeply flawed. A serious rewrite and better editing might have saved it, as the premise and story outline are promising.

Mississippi Mud

[BILLYBOY-10 · 6/10 · 13 May 2018]

As mentioned, this is a poor-man's Tennessee Williams. Way down deep south in Mississippi where they walk around barefoot in the red mud. Slow. Very slow. Poor Auntie is mildly nuts and the young cousins are humping when the male stranger appears and upsets everything. In the end, the goombah hero of our movie, chooses to deny his true nature (he has fallen in love with the stranger) and opts to stay around in Screaming Bonkers Madville which obviously will soon drive him nuts as well. If you like this slow, southern, lousey ending movie, then it's fine.

Great camera work does not save an awful product.

[Beckett-Pause · 3/10 · 8 April 2001]

I saw this film at our crossroads film festival, and was looking forward to it because it was filmed in mississippi and starred karen black. I was severely disappointed by the clumsy script which never flowed and the apparent lack on the effort of the actors and director to understand anything about the culture they endeavored to portray. How did lee and griffin become such deep friends in five minutes? Which of the two were f***ing the girl under the tree? It was unclear. And, There seems to be some law in hollywood about southern accents, and rarely do you hear anything remotely approaching the everyday sounds of the south., despite the awful, "this must be how they sound, just soften the "r"" approach to dialogue, so many times the actors lapse out of it altogether. Aleksa especially sounded like a new york street tough during "emotional" scenes, and nobody sounded mississippian at all. Walt Goggins' character was supposed to have been from Morgan city, Louisiana yet sounded nothing like that city's blend of new orleans and cajun accents. The other bothersome point seemed to be an urge by the writer to make us all feel that every man must have homosexual urges inside him. Before I start a firestorm here and am accused of homophobia, I've enjoyed many films with gay love themes, notably "punks" "when love comes" and "b monkey". But this seemed to be some man's wish about all young men. Well, Tennessee williams has already covered this ground, and did a far better job of it. So, I wonder, if the coen brothers can get regional accents and culture dead on in films set in Minnesota and in Mississippi, why can't anyone else? What a waste of my time.

Weak, but enjoyable.

[beliquits · 8/10 · 10 November 2001]

There are several holes in the story of this movie... if you're one of those people who gets hung up on that, move along. If you're able to immerse yourself into something and just enjoy it, then I would recommend this movie... quite enjoyable.

I'm not a fan of it being billed as a "gay" movie; when Lee Todd enters the world of Griffith and Emily, and their slightly crazed Aunt Selma, Griffith for the first time has someone that he can consider a friend (besides his beautifully controlling cousin Emily, who desires more than mere companionship and will try anything she can to keep him in their native small Mississippi town).

I don't think the words "gay", "queer", or "homosexual" ever enter this movie; while the characters develop a love that is self-admittedly stronger than friendship, that's really what this movie is about. Griffith's frustrating love and sense of responsibility for his crazed aunt, Emily's obsessive blinding love for Griffith, and Lee's protective love of Griffith...

Add in an interesting subplot of a dark family secret (that had so much more potential that it actually delivered) and it's an interesting concept.

Having grown up myself in a very small rural town where few people ever leave, I related to the movie and thought that even if the story was a bit weak, it was still beautifully delivered.

This movie can't decide what it wants to be.

[jim_burt · 4/10 · 9 August 2003]

I think Purvis starts out to do a gay "Gone With The Wind" If so, sorry, Tag, it didn't happen. It also didn't happen as a gay "sexploitation" flick. I guess I'm confused; what are we trying to do here? Much as I'd like to, I simply can't get to where I care even a little about these characters. This movie is effective in capturing a taste of the decadence that lives in the South; it does nothing to explain, enlighten or advance my understanding of a gay relationship, or the conflict the protagonist seems to be grappling with.

Blown Away!

[SouthernWil · 10/10 · 30 August 2001]

I saw this film in New York after reading a good review in "The Village Voice." Like the film, I was raised in Mississippi and it seems that way too often Southern depictions lack the sense of place that is so much a part of life there. With this film, the thick air is not missing. You could clearly taste its presence here. It was wonderful to see it portrayed in a way that had the courage to be slow.

Karen Black was amazing, and her performance should have really received attention from the Academy. I know that her past work has included many fine Southern roles, including perhaps most notably in "Five Easy Pieces" and Altman's "Back to the Five and Dime" but truly this had to be the performance that really showcases her talents and the blindness of Hollywood. Are people crazy? Why don't we see more of the legendary Karen Black!

The look of the film is outrageous (as is the Soundtrack.) Very much like a painting.

I was also not surprised to find that the director was from Mississippi as well. I am just amazed that this is his first feature. There are subtle pieces of culture, cleverly tucked here and there, that I really got tickled at.

This film is not for everyone. It is not an action packed, violence drowned, produced piece of garbage. "Red Dirt" is a quiet, little gem that reminds me of home. And of the power of stories about real people and the complicated lives we can create within them. It is a film that could have easily slipped by me, but I am truly glad that it didn't.

Dan Montgomery's talent & look's are wasted in this very disapointing attempt at film making!

[empireman · 3/10 · 8 February 2002]

Close but no cigar! - that's what my opinion of this film is! TAG PURVIS both wrote and directed this script which should have gone through a re write before shooting. At times, laughable because or a corny script, this film's shining star is Dan Mongomery Jr and the Director of Photography. Both of these talents are ones to watch out for in the future. My recommendation is to wait until it hits your local cable station and use the rental money on a classic!

An OK film

[ablbodyed · 13 January 2003]

This film is getting a lot of (-) comments, and I can see their point of view, BUT, it's better than the're saying. True it's slow moving, but that captures the essence of the story. These are frightened and careful people, trapped in a backwater, and, though unstated, the brutality of Conservative Christian bigotry has great influence on their behavior. The love between the two guys didn't come from nowhere: from the first time they saw each other there was an electric current between them. The shower scene was almost explicit: Griffith COULDN'T KEEP HIS EYES OFF LEE!!!!. and the gay shop-keeper knew instantly there was something. And while the ending was overtly disappointing, I believe that, down the road (pun intended) they're going to get together. Acting was mostly good, but Walton Goggins was HOTTTTT. Watch him on "The Shield" and see what a good actor he is. All in all, I enjoyed the film, but WHAT WAS that short on the DVD?

The Red Dirt Menagerie

[Suradit · 5/10 · 29 September 2013]

I guess Red Dirt was meant to be evocative of life in a small isolated town in the rural south, but it came across more as an attempt to imitate life in a Tennessee Williams' production. Everyone was carrying around secretive baggage from family entanglements and they were all intent on being as dramatic about it as possible. One longed for a little subtlety. The close up of the central character's feet stained red by the local soil, followed by the comment that he would never be able to wash that out, bordered on unintended comedy.

There was a good story buried in all the clutter and clichéd posturing, but I felt constantly distracted by the soap opera going on in the background (and sometimes the foreground). Similarly, the acting at times was excellent and at other times it felt as though the actors were unhappily obliged to recite the scripted dialogue no matter how cumbersome and unnatural it was.

Karen Black, certainly an accomplished actress, at times was a bit heavy-handed with the Blanche Dubois parody and played not so much a supporting character as someone desperate to revive a flagging career while trying to keep the spotlight on herself.

I have to believe that this is a case of less-would-have-been-more and that the movie should have remained focused on Lee, Griffith and Emily with the context subtly supplied by the others.

A pleasant surprise for me

[bvtnguy · 8/10 · 3 November 2003]

If you enjoy being spoon-fed at the theater or in front of your television, then this movie isn't for you. If you are offended by a subtle gay storyline however non-offensive it may be, then perhaps a night out at Hooters would be better suited for you. But if you think you might enjoy a movie with interesting Southern characters, set amidst some fine beauty from the southern part of the U.S., then this flick might be for you. The direction IS just fine and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the characters. Karen Black is a real treat here.

A story of love outside of the gay-straight linear mindset

[vampirepirate · 8/10 · 21 February 2005]

Red Dirt is a story with two main themes: claustro- and agoraphobia, literal in the case of our protagonists' dotty Aunt Summer, and more abstract in the portrayal of cousins Griffith (desperate to escape town) and Emily (resigned to sharing her female relatives' fate of never leaving); and the difficulty and pain of expressing love, and changes in love. When a stranger, Lee, comes to stay at their farm, he acts as a catalyst that eventually brings all their secrets out of the woodwork, and it hurts as much as it sets everyone free.

In today's world of determinist sexuality and identity politics, it's clear why this film goes down like a ton of bricks with some people - many won't find it satisfying to watch a story of people falling in (and out) of love with no neat labels that can be attached to their desires. Even more disturbing to some will be the hint that love and sex are not the same thing. Yet this is exactly what I found so moving about this film, and such a welcome change from the teenager-coming-out stock of gay films that, despite being of some value to those that need them, have become tedious to those that no longer do. Fond as I am of man-on-man action, and not being much of a romantic, I was therefore very surprised to be so moved by a film simply about love, and not to have to suffer through another truckload of big-city gay clichés.

The acting, cinematography and photography are all superb - I could have done with a little less of the weepy soundtrack but really that's a tiny quibble.

Beautiful story but with Bible Belt attitudes

[laurelmtnguy · 10/10 · 29 December 2003]

watching this movie a few times with friends etc, we agreed upon that although it takes place in modern times it seems like the characters were uptight in showing their true feelings because of belief systems instilled upon the characters upbringings. This movie has beautiful scenery with some sordid entanglements but it brings to light that as Love of the heart goes it can find its way through the most stubborn of circumstances! Dan Montgomery is drop dead gorgeous and so is Walton Goggins, One just wishes the outcome would have been a little more romantic than it was! I bet a lot of people who are trapped in society's little headgames who cannot truly display their affections might wish for a Walton to come into their life and start living. The film does not by any means make a straight person feel uncomfortable at all by watching it, in fact it makes them think! I loved this movie and I wish it well!

Emotionally stirring. If you like Tennessee Williams you'll like this.

[succotash · 10/10 · 22 April 2002]

OK, I clicked the spoiler box just to be safe. I don't think this review spoils, but just to be on the safe side, OK?

First, this is not a movie you can have on the player while you are doing other stuff. This requires concentration. You have to really sit and watch this movie to pick up all the nuances. This is a good thing, because when you walk away from it you will have looked inside. You may even feel uplifted. Or depressed. Or perhaps just grateful that you are intellectual enough to grasp all of what's there. :-)

At first, I was a little let down at the end, but after reflecting on it for a little and getting in touch with my feelings I find it to be actually a brilliant portrayal of the ties (and sometimes shame) that can bind people to family and home and the unfortunate reality of how sometimes even people who love each other have a hard time finding a common ground on which to come together. I actually went and bought the DVD and have watched this film a few times. Every time I see it, I see the brilliance of not only Tag Purvis' portrayal of rural, southern life, but also the brilliant direction and acting by all involved. As far as the art of film-making goes, this has got to be one of the most under-appreciated and under-rated films of all time, as far as I am concerned.

Karen Black was fantastic, as usual. Everyone else did a great job as well. These characters are people you feel comfortable with, like you know them yourself. Excellent screenplay, but as you watch it, try not to read too much between the lines. Instead, try to see the author's meanings for what is readily apparent, not abstract. In many ways this has a very Tennessee Williams feeling to it, sometimes a bit dreamy and surreal and very intellectually deep and thought provoking. It puts you in touch with who you are. This film does an excellent job of creating the mood, again, thanks to the excellent screenplay, direction and acting. I really felt like I was there in the swamp country in the middle of a long, hot, lazy summer. Not many films can transport you into their setting so well and I must say that is one of the strong points of this film. The ending was different than what I expected, which was very refreshing.

This is a film to watch twice for the full effect. When I first saw this, it seemed a little chopped in places to me, but I think that is because there is so much to absorb, not due to bad cutting. The second time you watch it, everything is just THERE, and you just want to say, "Oh My God! Why didn't this have an Oscar nomination?" (I think it's because this film is a few years ahead of its time as an indie film, but that's another discussion.)

If you're the kind of person who likes to talk about movies afterward, make sure to watch it with someone else because it is thought provoking.

On a side note: I won't spoil the ending but I would like to say I'm glad that Griffith found unconditional love and acceptance by his family in dealing with his sexuality issues. Many gay people aren't that fortunate. The characters, Griffith and Lee are very respectful persons and it's always encouraging to see a film that portrays gay people in a positive light instead of negative (such as Circuit, which is another great film that touches on the really dark side of the gay lifestyle). Agreeable that just as with any group there are some gay people who are lewd, irresponsible, narcissistic, immature jerks and they tend to give all gays a bad name and a bad stereotype because they are not seen for the jerks they are, but rather an association is made because they are gay. However, there are, in fact, many gay people of character and high values, and who strive to live by high moral standards and a code of ethics and decency toward others. The characters of Griffith and Lee exemplify this. I like to hope that they are the rule and not the exception.

Absolutely Beautiful...

[melanieH1850 · 10/10 · 31 August 2001]

What a wonderful delight! I went to this movie with my son and it was the perfect movie to share with someone you care so much for. We were really moved, as we spoke of it all weekend while I was visiting him. It was just different than all the movies you get use to seeing, reminding me more of the way movies use to be made. I loved it.

A breathtaking love letter to Mississippi and search for freedom of the soul

[gtrgirl105 · 10/10 · 12 September 2001]

Karen Black gives an astonishing performance as the shut in southern woman who carries the memories of the past into her imaginative present tense, struggling to stop things from changing, she represents the south itself, mystery, color, imagination, history and intense love of family, tradition and a pride that can only be southern. A beautifully shot love letter to Mississippi , almost like a lyric painting of the American South.

Superbly moving, intensely personal film

[whilom_chime · 10/10 · 12 May 2005]

The reader should understand that I attend multiple film festivals a year; an average year for me means viewing, with critical eyes and ears, approximately four hundred foreign and independent films. Of the thousands of films I have seen over the decades, this film is one of only four that I have felt the need to view more than twice.

The human condition radiates herefrom more brightly even than the projection-lamp that illuminates the screen herewith.

Madness and wisdom commingle to varying degrees in each significant character.

If the reader is willing to work a bit and not be a merely passive audience, the rewards this film has to offer are manifold.

Unexpectedly Beautiful Film

[gpadillo · 9 April 2004]

"Red Dirt" is not quite like any film –independent or otherwise – to have come out in some time. Some seem to have been disappointed that this wasn't a great southern "romance" either straight or gay and others seem to have been unable to connect with the characters.

While the premise is easily recognizable and perhaps, predictable even, what Purvis did was take a standard situation - and give it a spin all its own with fresh, inviting characters.

I feel Mr. Purvis captures perfectly a small town in the deep South. Deadly silence punctuated by birds, wolves, crickets, locust, rain. Then there are the crazy southern women (all 4 women in this showed signs of madness) always with deeply hidden and long held secrets. All of these women exhibit a wondrously wide (and wild) range of emotions from instability to madness to wise.

One of the most touching elements of the film was the bonding connection between Emily and Aunt Summer, with Em's final "goodbye" an arrestingly beautiful film moment.

The gay repression angle works perfectly here, both men quiet about it, but Griffith actually socially naïve and stunted enough into thinking what is going on between he and Lee is strictly friendship. His unhinging and rage were moving.

Comments about Karen Black's being "all over the place" are correct, but this is not a bad thing. Her character is just that – emotionally unstable, a lifetime of guilt over her secret which is what is driving her mad. We see that pent up madness within her coming out in her dramatic loony-tune sequences and her escape into music makes perfect sense.

To those who complained about a lack of romantic ending, I can't imagine a more classically "romantic" then this; rage, revelation and confusion subsiding into sadness, forgiveness, self-awareness and acceptance . . . as the sun streams down on a glorious southern evening.

Physically, as well, this is a stunning film, the photography breathtaking, the colors vivid and true.

I did not, quite honestly, expect to enjoy this film at all. Instead I found myself drawn in, touched watching these self-imposed alienated characters trying to connect with another human, and ultimately I found myself deeply moved.

p.

Maybe a bit of a spoiler...

[chitom2001 · 10/10 · 29 August 2005]

We are so hung up on "gay/straight" that it's apparently too difficult to view the relationship between these two characters with no preconceptions. Perhaps that is what is so troublesome for many folks..that such a relationship can be real. The movie cuts deeper than the preconceived, stereotypical notions like "gay" or "straight". I'm so glad I came across this movie. The dialog is lean, and at the same time, poetic. The film moved along in a very economical way, with no lags... and the wonderful Karen Black! where has she been all these years? Perhaps making small gems of movies like this one. I'll have to pay more attention.

Good Character Development, Unsatisfying Ending

[tulsastorm · 15 September 2004]

Red Dirt takes place in a tiny rural community in southern Louisiana along the banks of the Mississippi River and revolves around Griffith. Full of angst, Griffith longs to leave this seething cess pool after graduating from high school, but feels he should stay and watch after his Aunt Summer (or as he says, 'Summuh') who raises him like a mother after Grif's parents. Summer is mentally ill...perhaps depression or bi-polar...and mostly stays cooped up in her room listening to depressing opera music. When he's not working around the farm or taking care of his aunt, Griffith hangs out with his cousin, Emily. Things change when a young drifter, Lee, strolls in and befriends Griffith.

The southern accents are slathered on a little thick to put it nicely. Normally, I can understand someone with a deep southern accent, but I frequently had to stop and replay the DVD to catch some of the dialogue. Some scenes are portrayed a bit over-dramatic as well...mostly the ones with Summer. There were several times I couldn't help but bust out laughing over the contrived dialogue and acting which is not necessarily a good thing for a dramatic movie such as this. Maybe this particular rental DVD had some scratches on it, but I came across some very noticeable jump cuts.

You have to wade through a lot of character development to get to see anything remotely gay, and then, seemingly, Griffith comes to terms with himself overnight. We see a quick male-on-male kiss and that's the end of that. To Tag Purvis' credit, the controversial issues are presented very matter-of-fact.

What can I say about the ending without giving it completely away? The characters that are complacent enough with living here move out, and the characters who long to leave wind up staying. No real explanation is given.

Overall, the ending seemed hasty and unsatisfying after sitting through a lot of beautiful cinematography. If you have ever longed to get out of the place and situation you are in and discover your true potential elsewhere, but kept coming up with excuses to stay...probably due to the fear of the unknown..., you will see yourself in this movie. Otherwise, move along. There is nothing to see here.

One of the most beautiful films ever made

[Slovak · 10/10 · 1 November 2001]

This has to be one of the most beautiful films ever made. The story is beautiful and the acting is superb. All the cast do an excellent job but Dan Montgomery acts the rest off the screen. In my opinion, one of my favourite films of all time