"Barn Burning" is a short film based on William Faulker's short story by the same name. Faulker grew up in rural Mississippi, so it's not surprising the story is set there.
The story begins with an impromptu court which is being held in the general store. Ab Snopes (Tommy Lee Jones) is accused of burning someone's barn...something he denies as does his son. The locals know he did it but cannot prove it, so he's acquitted but told to leave town.
One Ab arrives in another town where he's supposed to tenant farm, he seems to go out of his way to annoy the owner of the plantation. The butler tells Ab to wipe his shoes before coming inside, as his shoes are covered in muck and there's an expensive rug on the floor. He pushes in anyway and walks over the rug! Not surprisingly, the homeowner is furious and tells him he must clean the rug. Of course, Ab won't do it and tells his wife and daughter to clean it. But they cannot get it clean...and so the man tells Ab he now owes him 20 bushels to corn to pay for the damage. Another impromptu court reduces the fine to 10 bushels. Of course, Ab intends to pay nothing...and he's heading for a fall.
The story is well made. The acting is good. But the story itself is pretty unpleasant. So you have to ask yourself "do I mind an unpleasant story?"...if so, look elsewhere. If you love Faulkner and short stories, then by all means watch.
By the way, some very politically correct types might blanch at Ab using the N-word. However, I think it's important to help show what sort of man he is...the lowest in society who STILL manages to look down on blacks. He also looks down on pretty much anyone...particularly rich folks, who he thinks deserve his wrath!
