Wichita

First off, I am not a huge fan of the American cinema 'western'. It takes an extraordinary story to hold my interest. However, with several recent entries such as the HBO series 'Deadwood' I realized my perceptions were changing as new, bold filmmakers returned to themes etched in dirt, boots and blood.

'Wichita' really isn't so much about a growing town in the West as it is a collision point, a crossroads of circumstances that, once the cast is assembled, unfolds with a growing paranoia towards it's unexpected and violent conclusion.

A talented group of relative unknowns deepen the story with believable performances and filmed with such well composed shots that it's like gazing into a history book. The direction is sure-footed, calculated and intelligent.

So, I emerged not only amazed that a low budget feature could be of such high production quality and literary grit but also hopeful that this little gem gets a wide following.

I even might enjoy watching a few more westerns again.

Many of people that have written reviews for this film have already talked about the plot, which as so many have already stated, is as intriguing as it is entertaining. So instead, I'd like to take moment to comment on some of the other aspects of this film.

All of the actors in this film do a fantastic job. The sisters, Samantha (Karina Wolfe) and Mary (Reylynn Caster) are definite standouts. Karina Wolfe is quite convincing in her role and really delivers an excellent performance. Her ability to play tough and tender at the same time is quite remarkable. For such a young actress, Reylynn Catser already has amazing range. The performances from these actresses alone are worth watching the movie for. But for me, it was Kenneth Mitchell as Deacon Miller that stole the show. His performance shows the maturity and the precision of a dedicated master of his craft. It was also a rare treat to see musician Uche as The Blacksmith and spotting director Nicholas Barton's cameo appearance was great moment.

The sound and soundtrack for this film was excellent and there were some nice visual moments throughout the film. For a period piece, the set design, wardrobe, and props are wonderful. Several of the scenes were actually filmed at the Historic Cowtown in Wichita, Kansas, lending an authenticity that has been preserved there for generations.

With fantastic locations and the amount of people involved in this production, "Wichita" has a great sense of scale for an indie film. Nicholas Barton and his team have put together a film that maintains the authenticity of the period while telling a story that is hip enough for modern audiences.

I usually screen movies privately but was lucky enough to be able attend "Wichita" at the premiere in Wichita, Kansas and witness the audience's engagement first hand. You know somebody is doing something right when a crowd of 1,000 people gasp, laugh, or stand up and applaud all at once.

So let me say that WICHITA is not a western for the casual genre fan raised on GUNSMOKE and BONANZA reruns. Nevertheless WICHITA delivers for film fans as well as Western Fans.

While many of the traditional elements of "the western" exist, WICHITA was obviously inspired more by the darker, somewhat cruel film-noirish category of film. The black hat-white hat, play along at home game doesn't exist. Each character has his own demons. The story unfolds violently and deliberately. Much like the work of Sam Peckinpah and, Budd Boetticher the film adopts an unpretentious style, taking a relaxed approach to the story unfolding and letting the actors and screenplay drive the film.

It's not perfect by any means, yet it show promise for the film maker and the cast. It's a film that inspires discussion afterwards and probably has more sociological elements explored than the average western. Enjoy and then be prepared to discuss.

My husband & I saw this film in our hometown of Wellington, Ks. It was filmed & made by folks around our neck of the woods. We thought the story started off a bit confusing by introducing so many different characters without back stories but their stories unfolded well over the length of the film. In our opinions, it's a dark western with an original story line. Quite an impressive endeavor, for a few people with one camera. We were totally pleased with the end result & recommend this film to anyone, especially people who enjoy westerns set in the late 1800s. Impressive use of many local venues to make the audience feel like they'd stepped back in time.

This was such an amazing project to work on and I have never been more impressed with a finished product. If you like complex characters and ongoing plot twist, this is definitely the film for you. There are few westerns done in the film industry and it is a great relief to see one done right. Never before have I seen a full let alone a western deal with issues that are all together too real, and often needed to be addressed. If this film is showing in your town do yourself a favor and invite yourself to a treat of excellent story telling and cinematic beauty. Nicholas Barton and his crew and actors brought a much needed realism to this noir telling of early America. As the story unfolds you find it hard to find a person to root for, as everyone has a quality that you want to stand by. Don't miss this.