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.

The story takes place in Wichita, the heart of the Midwest. As each character is introduced, you begin to wonder how they fit into the story. It is not until the very end that all is revealed. The actors do a superb job of walking you though the story. This movie was so much fun. At the end, the crowd of over 1,000, spontaneously erupted into applause. This is the kind of movie that goes by so fast you can't believe it's at the end. Nicholas Barton's writing and vision of the film was spot on. If you want a predictable movie, this one is NOT for you! No big special effects, just a great story line that carries you through the movie.

Went and saw this at the movies last night. Wasn't sure what to expect but I was pretty engrossed throughout the film. Not the typical cowboy movie but more of a gritty look at the old west. It's one of those movies that you have to pay attention to. There is a lot going on with this movie and it builds to a very surprising and climatic ending. Movie certainly deserves it's R rating as the violence in the movie can be brutal but so is this depiction of the old west. I gave it such a high rating because most westerns that are coming out these days just seem like you've seen them before. The look of this film and it's actors are really gritty. I wouldn't be surprised to see a couple actors make it big after this movie, especially the young girl who steals any scene she is in. Very impressive western.

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.

'Wichita' is an engaging film, full of character and intrigue. While I am not typically a fan of Westerns, this movie feels more like a dramatic piece set in the Old West, rather than a genre film. It is a gritty tale of life on the frontier, where the greatest threat to mortality is not one's health, but the actions of others. To say that I couldn't predict where the story would go is an understatement! There were several surprising moments where the whole theatre gasped, and the ending was met with resounding cheers and applause.

'Wichita' is visually striking, and beautifully shot. It certainly depicts the time period, leaving the audience to focus on the story itself rather than the practicality of the production. There is a great sense of movement, fluidity, and life throughout the movie. Various lines of dialogue set up payoffs later on, with no indication at the time that the audience is being given clues. Watching the movie is an engaging experience, rather than idle viewing.

I would definitely recommend this independent feature, whether or not you are a fan of typical Westerns. It's a dramatic piece, and unlike anything Hollywood is putting out there!