"The Sisters Brothers" review — a unique, prescient reinvention of the Western
Amidst the pantheon of revered Western films, it can be difficult to stand out as original or worthwhile. "The Sisters Brothers," however, combines a lively script with an all-star cast and modern themes to overcome the normalcy associated with recent Western misfires.
Based on the synonymous novel by Patrick deWitt, "The Sisters Brothers" follows the quests of Eli and Charlie Sisters (John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix, respectively), as they are hired to interrogate an outlaw chemist (Riz Ahmed) who has a formula for illuminating gold underwater. The film is helmed by French director Jacques Audiard ("Rust and Bone," "Dheepan"), who brings a fresh lense towards the American iconography that lifts this film past traditional genre conventions. As Audiard's first English-language film, "The Sisters Brothers" is especially impressive, with its full-bodied performances and American themes, especially considering Audiard does not speak fluent English.
Along with Audiard's attention to detail and character development, the performances from the notable cast enrich the film and its emotional resonance. Joaquin Phoenix (Charlie Sisters) is expectedly great as a violent, troubled drunkard of a hitman, while John C. Reilly (Eli Sisters) adds depth and comedy to his portrayal of a hitman. Riz Ahmed (Hermann Kermit Warm) proves he can perform amongst heavyweight actors, as his character is delightful and kind throughout the perilous film. Jake Gyllenhaal also adds weight and craftiness as John Morris, a detective hired to bring Warm to the Sisters Brothers. Phoenix and Reilly have the necessary chemistry as brothers, but the ensemble of Phoenix, Reilly, Ahmed and Gyllenhaal work surprisingly well and give a community dynamic to the story that the audience can associate with throughout the twists and turns of the story.
While the direction and performances are notable, the hidden star of the film is the cinematography and natural landscapes throughout the adventure. "The Sisters Brothers" was reportedly shot across Spain, and it plays out as a tourist advertisement for their geography. From broad, sweeping mountains to calm rivers to peaceful prairies, "The Sisters Brothers" inspires viewers to embrace their inner animalistic desires and find oneself amongst the uninhabited parts of earth. Audiard juxtaposes these natural landscapes with modernization, as the Brothers travel in and out of established towns (ie. San Francisco), which encapsulates Manifest Destiny and mankind's eternal quest for territory. The pacing is solid throughout the film, except at the end, where the film seems to oscillate sinusoidally between conflict and reflection until its ultimate sweet conclusion.
"The Sisters Brothers" is not an 'Avengers' style cinematic event, but it is quite deserving of your attention. While it features stereotypical shoot-em-up gunslingers, the focus is never on those parts of the characters. The film is a clever exploration of the beloved American West and features a beating narrative filled with lovable hitmen and marauders. Each scene features a new vista of the American West amidst the California Gold Rush period, reinvigorating viewers with newfound appreciation for the natural world. Audiard instills likable qualities in the Sisters Brothers amidst their horrid acts, as they are offered the chance to exchange violence and regret for forgiveness and a sense of belonging. "The Sisters Brothers" is absolutely a 2018 film set in the mid-1800's, as modern society also grasps for identity amidst a changing, bustling country often filled with violence, hypocrisy and illegitimacy. The film tells us that change, however small, is possible for even the darkest souls among us, which is an uplifting idea to leave audiences with.
Sean Kelso is the founder and editor-in-chief of Greyscale.
