The Hi-Lo Country
Pete Calder (Billy Crudup) and Big Boy Matson (Woody Harrelson — lead in Natural Born Killers) are old-style cowboys struggling to come to grips with the pressures of technological and economic pressure in 1940s New Mexico. Pete is a quiet, honest man who prefers to play it safe, while Big Boy is a risk-taking, hard-living larrikin. Despite their differences, they form a strong and lasting friendship. But the bond between them is put to the test by their shared desire for the same woman, Mona (Patricia Arquette — c.f. Ed Wood). Life is no longer a simple matter of riding horses, drinking and getting into fights. And on top of this, they have to deal with the Bad Guy, Jim Ed Love (Sam Elliott — c.f. “the stranger” in The Big Lebowski - also several Westerns), who is stuffing up Hi-Lo by replacing the individual holdings — of which American dreams are made — with his own agribusiness empire. While Mona keeps them drinking, Jim Ed Love and his gang provide the punching bags.
Hi-Lo Country is a well-made movie. The acting was pretty flawless, and, although it had a couple of slightly corny moments, it was on the whole an enjoyable, well-rounded drama, with some action thrown in for balance. The characters, especially Big Boy and Pete, have a depth to them which transcends what you might expect from a cowboy movie. Indeed, as British director Stephen Frears insists, Hi-Lo Country is not really a Western, but just “a film about America after World War II”. The historical setting, during a period which has seldom been portrayed on film, provides an intriguing backdrop which blends well with the unfolding dramas in the characters’ lives. You don’t have to be a fan of Westerns to enjoy this, although it might help. Also, keep an eye out for Darren Burrows — “Ed” in Northern Exposure.
