No. 48 Mud (2012) 53 of 100

 

This is another Jeff Nichols effort that features Michael Shannon, as all his features do. This one came after ‘Take Shelter’ but before ‘Midnight Special’ and features Shannon only in what could be seen as an extended cameo. It's an excellent film though and well worth the 130 minutes it asks of you.

The film starts out a bit like ‘Stand By Me’ with two 14 year old Arkansas lads on a quest to find a boat rumoured to be stuck up a tree on a remote island. The boat, presumably left by a tornado, is quickly found and as a bonus contains a stash of nudey mags. The boys see some food and realise that the boat is occupied and beat a retreat. When they get back to their skiff they encounter a strange man named Mud, played by Matthew McConaughey, who asks that they bring him some food. He explains he’s waiting for someone and offers the boys the boat if they help him.

One of the boys, Ellis, is keen to help but his friend Neckbone is more cynical and thinks Mud is just a bum. The two do however return and and are soon helping Mud repair the boat and obtain for him the various parts he needs for the task.

On the home front Ellis has problems with his parents who are headed for divorce. His Mom doesn’t like their houseboat and plans to move into a flat. If the boat is left unoccupied the local authority will break it up. Ellis also has a fledgling romance with an older girl to contend with.

Neckbone is looked after by his uncle Galen who makes a living diving for oysters in his home-made diving suit and selling the pearls. He’s a nice man, played to good effect by Shannon, but somewhat eccentric and he doesn’t get much to do.

Ellis learns from the police that Mud is wanted for murder and when confronted the boat living bad ass admits he killed a man for abusing his erstwhile girlfriend Juniper, player in great trailer trash style by Reece Witherspoon.

Ellis, perhaps motivated by his parents’ issues, agrees to help and to reunite the two lovers. Elsewhere the family of the man killed by Mud are seeking revenge. Will the boat float? Is Juniper worth the effort and was that pit of snakes we saw at the start some foreshadowing?

This was a really enjoyable coming of age film that taught a few harsh truths about life to the two excellent young leads. There is a lot of slow talking in a southern drawl but the bayou settings and general air of decay really draws you in.

McConaughey is excellent as Mud although maybe a bit too ripped and attractive to be wholly believable. He does well to exude a sort of enigmatic energy and you can see how people would be drawn to him – with the two boys there is a sort of ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ feeling as they try to find the best in the tortured tree dweller.

The cast was excellent and I liked Mickey off ‘Boardwalk Empire’ showing up as the baddie. Several seeds were planted throughout and it was good fun when these bore fruit – looking at you retired assassin!

Shannon was good as the uncle but had little to do apart from fiddle with his elaborate diving suit. I think the part could have been edited out for no great loss but he was as watchable as always.

Of the five Nichols films I’ve seen so far I’d put this one at the top, on par with ‘Midnight Special’.

When is Shannon-On? - 03.57

Outcome? Out looking for pearls

Film 4/5

Shannon Stars 3/5