The Mustanger and the Lady

I loved this movie. The setting felt very real. The characters were fully developed and the theme of a western told from the point of view of a woman that is the mercy of a male-dominated society is not a voice that is heard often, but here, told remarkably well. I have seen this movie twice and enjoyed it even more upon the second viewing.

Mercy, as one who is considered by his friends, as a film buff, I just had to advise them of this movie. It is bad, bad, bad. All the female characters have new white teeth, something which would have been unheard of during the movie time period. All the dresses as well as the props, wagons etc. looked as though they just came out of a display case. I feel asleep both times I tried to watch this flick and all I can say is this, " if you are a male and over 50, you probably will see more of the back of your eyelids than you will see of your TV screen."Slow, Slow, Slow movie.

... by far the best part of this production was the last few minutes of the ending... otherwise it was stereotypical down to the bad guys and sidekicks... it would have made a very good first couple episodes of a four-part-mini-series.

This film is pure art. From the score, to many of the actors, a hidden gem. Out of the straight to video pile come some of my favourite westerns and Painted Woman is now on that list. Do not come looking for action however. Though there may be a few violent scenes, this is a steady, and even somewhat slow paced tale of hardship, perseverance and love in the old west. Kiowa Gordon (Chato), Stef Dawson (Julie Richards), Matt Dallas (Frank Dean) and David Jenkins (Vince Wagner), are some of my highlights. Of special note, however, is Laurel Harris (Ellie Anderson). From her first scene, it is obvious that this actress is not just performing but also putting her spirit into the film. She captured me in her mannerisms and speech. She radiated heart, a compassion that not only her character possessed, but no doubt, Ms. Harris herself. Amazing. Amazing. Quick kudo to David Bruster's rendition of "Pig in a Pen". Why is that song not on the soundtrack?

I really enjoyed this film and have to say, visually, it's stunning. Our country really does have some beautiful scenery and Cotten shows us just what natural treasures we have right under our nose. The story here is also tight and to the point. In the days of overblown blockbusters where what's actually happening doesn't matter as much what it looks like, Cotten and Lindley hone in on a sweet but powerful story of a woman coming into her own in a time when that kind of thing wasn't exactly encouraged. There's also no shortage of villains, heroes, and gun play to satisfy your thirst for Old West action. Do yourself a favor and check out a film that shows you how to do a powerful, intimate story in epic fashion. Enjoy!