The Mustang (B or 3/4 stars)
Flemish actor Matthias Schoenaerts stars as Roman Coleman, a baleful convict in the midst of a 12 yr. sentence for domestic violence, serving time in a Nevada jail in 'The Mustang' (directed by actress Laure Clermont-Tonnerre). The director became fascinated after reading about the Wild Horse Inmate Program promoting 'animal therapy'; thus, this film's existence. Roman struggles with anger issues. Even the prison psychologist (Connie Britton) has a hard time piercing his hardened, taciturn exterior. But he comes to the attention of head horse trainer Myles (Bruce Dern), the man in charge of said mustang program at the prison. Myles is a cantankerous old cowboy, but recognizes something special in Roman & coerces him to take part.
Each inmate is in charge of a horse which must be tamed & trained during a 6-week period before the date for a public auction. Roman's mustang {who he names Marquis} is a beauty who suffers from his same personality traits -- stubborn, fearful, distrusting & prone to unpredictable rage. Roman thinks he can handle his horse but can't initially and, at one point, lands a few brutal punches the poor stallion {those sensitive to such an act will have a hard time empathizing with Roman, but I think he earns it over time}. With the help of another inmate, Henry (Jason Mitchell) & Myles, Coleman learns to trust his instincts & he forms a loving bond with Marquis. But as Roman tries to get his act together leading up to the auction, trouble arises concerning his estranged pregnant teen daughter (Gideon Adlon) & his slimy cellmate (Josh Stewart) who blackmails him into stealing drugs from the animals' facility.
'The Mustang' doesn't break any new cinematic ground, but it's a straightforward, uncluttered {92 minutes or so}, soulful tale of redemption that's told with beauty & grace. With his fearsome, brawny frame, explosive outbursts, but also soft, expressive eyes ... Matthias Schoenaerts ultimately warms our heart as our complex anti-hero. Over time, he becomes less bitter, confident in expressing his emotions, yet doesn't wallow in self-pity. Jason Mitchell - so good in films like Straight Outta Compton & Mudbound - impressed me with his horse-riding skills; especially when finding out that he dreaded horses before taking this role. And Bruce Dern brought a smile to my face as the cranky old-timer who loves humans & horses in equal measure.
Not everything is perfect in 'The Mustang'. The story is very simple; not a slam, but not something to laud, either. That drug subplot felt like a distraction to the main plot. And there are a few scenes that end in a way that makes you think an extra few seconds were warranted -- choppy editing, at times. That said, the proceedings feel authentic and, I appreciate this screenplay about these prisoners, their horses, & the value of this rehabilitation program {I wish the Bureau of Land Management could just let these animals roam free; though, they do make a difference for these convicts}. Despite the "movie"-animal cruelty, this is an easy film to watch. I mentioned the stellar acting. The landscape cinematography is scintillatingly good. The use of lighting is both important {to the story} & lovely. And it's hard to dislike any movie that highlights these majestic creatures we call horses.
Each inmate is in charge of a horse which must be tamed & trained during a 6-week period before the date for a public auction. Roman's mustang {who he names Marquis} is a beauty who suffers from his same personality traits -- stubborn, fearful, distrusting & prone to unpredictable rage. Roman thinks he can handle his horse but can't initially and, at one point, lands a few brutal punches the poor stallion {those sensitive to such an act will have a hard time empathizing with Roman, but I think he earns it over time}. With the help of another inmate, Henry (Jason Mitchell) & Myles, Coleman learns to trust his instincts & he forms a loving bond with Marquis. But as Roman tries to get his act together leading up to the auction, trouble arises concerning his estranged pregnant teen daughter (Gideon Adlon) & his slimy cellmate (Josh Stewart) who blackmails him into stealing drugs from the animals' facility.
'The Mustang' doesn't break any new cinematic ground, but it's a straightforward, uncluttered {92 minutes or so}, soulful tale of redemption that's told with beauty & grace. With his fearsome, brawny frame, explosive outbursts, but also soft, expressive eyes ... Matthias Schoenaerts ultimately warms our heart as our complex anti-hero. Over time, he becomes less bitter, confident in expressing his emotions, yet doesn't wallow in self-pity. Jason Mitchell - so good in films like Straight Outta Compton & Mudbound - impressed me with his horse-riding skills; especially when finding out that he dreaded horses before taking this role. And Bruce Dern brought a smile to my face as the cranky old-timer who loves humans & horses in equal measure.
Not everything is perfect in 'The Mustang'. The story is very simple; not a slam, but not something to laud, either. That drug subplot felt like a distraction to the main plot. And there are a few scenes that end in a way that makes you think an extra few seconds were warranted -- choppy editing, at times. That said, the proceedings feel authentic and, I appreciate this screenplay about these prisoners, their horses, & the value of this rehabilitation program {I wish the Bureau of Land Management could just let these animals roam free; though, they do make a difference for these convicts}. Despite the "movie"-animal cruelty, this is an easy film to watch. I mentioned the stellar acting. The landscape cinematography is scintillatingly good. The use of lighting is both important {to the story} & lovely. And it's hard to dislike any movie that highlights these majestic creatures we call horses.