Galveston

It's 1988 New Orleans. Roy (Ben Foster) is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's a hitman sent to kill a crime lord but the man isn't there. He ends up rescuing captive Rocky (Elle Fanning). She's 19 and hoping to work as an escort. She refuses to leave his side as he sets off on a road trip to Galveston.

Famed French actress Mélanie Laurent is the director. She has a good visual eye. The story flows well but it does have a few bumps on the road. Foster is playing the strong, silent type but it would serve the movie well if he has more conversations with Rocky. I like most of their interactions. Elle's big emotional scene does go too hard. Obviously, Mélanie directed her to stretch out her acting skills but she may not be capable yet. Also I think it would be more powerful if she tries to stifle her pain inside. When Roy gets to his destination, the scene needs some more depth to the reason why he needed to see that woman. It also doesn't make sense that he would return to Rocky unless it is set up better. Overall, Foster continues to be an underrated actor and Elle is at least trying to do more than being the ingenue.

Ben Foster and Elle Fanning surprisingly had great chemistry together for such an odd relationship. The filming captured the time period with the exception of a cell phone in a back pocket. It had some interesting twists that kept your attention.

When you don't have anything to lose, you risk it all ... I mean that makes sense now doesn't it? While we all know we will eventually die, we don't really (like to) think too much about our mortality. So maybe you don't approve of the movie being so blunt and in your face. Not to mention violent and over the top of course.

Ben Foster plays it as straight as he can and he has the innocent looking Elle Fanning at his side. Anyone who has seen her in other roles already knows there is more to her though. In this case we get something I haven't yet seen from her: annoying screaming. It's her character of course, so don't get that mixed up. Thriller is quite nice to say the least, even it isn't everyones cup of tea

Yeesh. This is a tough movie to watch.

This is not an "action crime thriller" as it's categorized on IMDB, because there's only one "action" scene so to speak. This is more like a crime drama, but it's filmed like a thriller. It has that gritty, low-saturated gauze about it.

However, the film itself is about the cycle of people making bad decisions that come back to bite them as they attempt to turn a sour life into a good one.

Ben Foster really is the driving force of the film here; he's a powerhouse on the screen, and he portrays a character of little words. His character's backstory is told through small bits and pieces throughout the film, while the tattoos, facial expressions, and his mannerisms explain the rest.

Yet the film is not a revenge piece like the description may lead you to believe. It's a realistically told crime tale about two people coming out of a really bad situation trying to make the best of it, but they just don't know how. This movie does not follow Hollywood's typical action beats so don't watch this while you're in a depressed state or a low mood.

Even still, Foster has been racking up a filmography of truly worthwhile films. He's been selective and intelligent with his choices, appearing in a lot of indie flicks that hit you hard.

This one definitely hits you hard.

I was expecting a Hollywood ending, and didn't get it, yet I appreciate this film even more because of it.

This film was an outstanding true film noir (Google it) and the finest in filmmaking you don't see made in Hollywood anymore, as today's viewers wan't more action and thrills. I am one of those people, and I can't stand slow paced films, but this film is that one rare exception.

It's an emotional roller coaster ride that leaves you wanting more, and although it doesn't fulfill your expectations at the end, it's still a rare true artistic gem of a production.

Directing by Mélanie Laurent was perfection. The writing by Nic Pizzolatto was great, although I would like to have seen a little more 'drama' and 'action' added to the script, but that's just me. I also felt the ending was a little rushed and could have been more impactful. The length was perfect, but I wouldn't complain if it was longer with less of a rushed ending. The cinematography and score were on point. Ben Foster and Elle Fanning were outstanding, and all other cast members were great, although I felt Beau Bridges slick hair character would have been better cast by a more gangster looking actor - say Tommy Flanagan.

This film isn't for everyone, hence some of the low ratings, but for those who appreciate an excellent old fashion story-telling production out of the Hollywood ordinary, that has heart, this is for you.

A well deserved 8/10 from me.