Across the state of New Mexico there several thousand stories indelibly written in the sand. In Hollywood, the West was settled with White men perceived as the good and Indians always portrayed as bad. This changed in the sixties. Today, audiences are treated to a mixed blending of Bad Whites and good Indians. This film is called " The Missing " and stars Tommy Lee Jones as a father who's family disowned years ago. His eldest daughter does not want him and asks him to leave on sight. However, some marauding bandits and Rengading Indians, kidnapped his granddaughter and both he and his daughter must work together to chase after them and bring the girl home. The movie is directed by Ron Howard and that alone tells you it's going to be a good film. Tommy Lee Jones is Samuel Jones, the wayward father, Cate Blanchett plays Magdalena Gilkeson, his unforgiving daughter and Val Kilmer taking a bit part as Lt. Jim Ducharme. The film has much to say concerning the Southwestern natives, their methods and their counterparts the ambivalent U.S. Army. Furthermore, the adventure in the rugged southwestern landscape is well depicted throughout the dramatic film. Lee gives a striking performance and Blanchard holds her own as well. The cast too is superior as are the action sequences and confrontation between characters. Much credit should be given to writer Thomas Eidson for his thoughtful story between the Native Americans and the emerging citizens of early America. ****
Review of The Missing
The Missing
(I) (2003)
" The Signs of the Earth Mother are for everyone, but few take the time to see them "
27 March 2011