Small Town Murder Songs

I have always admired Peter Stormare's acting but I am unable to recall him in a leading role - until now. He provides a strong performance as a religious police officer with violent and painful past, and there are very few scenes without his presence. As for the rest, I cannot find more outstanding features: the plot is slow and dull (the killer can be figured out early), religious soundtrack and church links are annoying, other actors/characters are not catchy. Even in terms of pondering and profundity, there are far more interesting and versatile movies, even from Canada. Luckily, its duration is 1 hour and 10 minutes only.

Thus, a film for art's sake, but not interesting to follow. It could just have been a psychological film without any crime at all. By the way, I like the Coens a lot and have seen all of their films. Small Town Murder Songs does not measure up to them.

I read the review posted that bashes this movie that review could not be more wrong. I just watched this movie and could not be more impressed.

This movie is very different from standard police fare, it is concerned with the characters in the story not just the crime drama.

If you hate what Michael Bay (Transformers director) movies, this is the movie for you. Characters should matter in a movie not special effects.

Canada, you should be very proud of this movie.

Hollywood take note. Your movies may make more money but they're not better.

"You need to ask, what kind of man do I choose to be." After discovering a murdered girl in a field, Ottawa police officer Walter (Stormare) is put in charge of trying to find the killer. When the pressure of the case starts to get to him will he act like the officer he is, or will his past catch up with him first? This is another movie that has a very deliberate pace, it does drag a little in spots, but overall a very good movie. The best way to describe this is slowly watching a man who has it all together begin to lose it. All the while you begin to feel sorry for him, and you feel like you shouldn't. This is the best Coen Brothers movie that they haven't directed. This movie has the pacing and feel of one of their movies, even though they had nothing to do with this one. The acting is excellent and is a joy to watch Walter try to stay calm in the midst of the pressure he is facing. This is a great choice if you are looking for a movie. I liked it a lot. Overall, a very good movie filled with great acting. The music used in this movie is excellent, and it really adds to the feel of the movie. This is another movie that is not for everyone, but those that like the Coen Brothers will really enjoy this movie. I give it a B.

Would I watch again? - I don't think I will, not really a repeat watcher type movie.

*Also try - Winter's Bone

Recommended for watchers that appreciate the fine enactment of a well-crafted screenplay. Direction also very good. All the actors had their moments, and some were indeed memorable: I shall always remember the look between Rita and Steve at the end when Steve is in the back of the police vehicle. Let's just say brilliant acting, direction, and camera-work must culminate to capture something that good. Of course, one will need to watch what comes before to reach that point. The pace of the movie is deliberate, and dialog is often exchanged haltingly, especially from our main man, Walter (Peter Stormare depicts him from the inside out -- excellent all the way through; also loved the lingering accent, which fits Walter perfectly). Music and biblical quotes were a bit jangling, I must agree, as many other reviewers have noted. The quotes were more of a problem than the music for me, because I have a problem with quotes in general. As a viewer, I don't need to be told what a section of movie is going to be about. That's a bit of an insult, in fact. Anyway, take the quotes out and the movie would have been just as watchable from my perspective. Music -- OK, it adds atmosphere, though again I probably would have enjoyed the movie just as much without it. Reminiscent of another Mennonite-centric film I saw directed by Carlos Reygadas in Mexico, Silent Night, though that was brilliant in a very different way.

To recap, here, "Small Town Murder Songs" is a title that describes the movie literally; the acting, screenplay, and direction make this a watchable film, especially for the contemplative viewer.

I was gliding through the selection of Indie films on Netflix, looking for something interesting to kill an hour or two, when I came across this film. The title intrigued me, as did the description, so I added it to my streaming queue. When the film began, I immediately liked the feel of it, set as it is in Canadian farm country, with big vistas and a stark, rural atmosphere. The music was totally unique, and fit the story perfectly. The only problem I had was that it was too loud at times, and probably a bit intrusive as well. I liked the "chapter titles," and thought they added to the film's feel. The character of Walter, the Chief of Police, was well drawn, although I would have liked a bit more detail to explain his past. Nonetheless, I was able to glean enough insight into his psyche to allow me to still enjoy the sterling performance of Peter Stormare (Fargo, Big Lebowski). This was probably the finest performance I have seen him give, and he deserves a good deal of recognition for it. Jill Hennessy turned in a compelling performance as a woman caught in the middle, and every minute she was on screen was memorable. The direction was spot-on, and I imagine we'll be seeing quite a bit more from Ed Gass-Donnelly in the future. If you like films that are more than just special effects and oddball cinematic techniques, you'll enjoy Small Town Murder Songs. Is it a murder mystery? Not really; there isn't much doubt about whodunit. This is a film about redemption, which is a subject not often handled as well as it is here. Highly recommended.