Director: Jacques Audiard
Starring: John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix and Jake Gyllenhaal
‘A Wonderful Western’
Not many actors in Hollywood have created a legacy as powerful as John C. Reilly. Ever since fame in the 1990’s, Reilly has crafted strong films. Whether it’s Broadway actors, pornographic actors or gangsters, Reilly has played many characters. Arguably, Reilly’s greatest strength as an actor versatility. He is one of those rare actors that has proven he can make great films in practically every genre. Reilly has had a strong commitment towards entertainment. He has commonly poured his heart and soul into every single role. Although he is often thought of as a comedic actor, Reilly has proven time and again that he can thrive in dramatic films as well. An American icon, Reilly has become a beloved icon audiences cherish. Through his abilities to create strong heroes which are fascinating, Reilly has built a legacy that’s lasting. Throughout his long-lasting career, Reilly has made many commemorated movies that are absolutely worth watching.
I’m a big fan of Reilly and adore all the films that he has crafted in his career. However, “The Sisters Brothers” is truly my favourite. Released in 2018, Jacques Audiard’s movie offered a strong western. Packed with bold production, riveting storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the greatest westerns ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by John C. Reilly, who portrays a ranger enduring tragedy. Ultimately, what makes “The Sisters Brothers” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most western films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing masterpiece about western brothers, there are several reasons why “The Sisters Brothers” is a film which is worth watching.
Set in 1851 Oregon, “The Sisters Brothers” tells the story of a pair of brothers which embark on adventures. John C. Reilly plays Eli Sisters, a western ranger that has often had a talent for resolving crimes in his city. Accompanied by brother Charlie (Joaquin Phoenix), Eli has excelled at committing the assassinations of criminals. However, Eli’s life drastically changes when he is given a chance to embark upon a tough adventure. Faced with a dilemma, Eli is soon forced to wonder it’s possible to resolve crimes which cause a dilemma. As all the odds are soon stacked against his favour, Eli questions if it is possible to become a successful ranger. Questioning his life purpose, Eli wonders if it’s possible to achieve the goals that he is seeking.
Jacques Audiard has often been fascinated with the stories of spies. A fantastic French filmmaker, Audiard has often made movies about assassins which commit murder. His award-winning film “A Prophet” provided a look at assassins facing regret. With “The Sisters Brothers”, however, Audiard created his first ever western. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of western rangers facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Evoking Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, Audiard deftly uses point-of-view shots to capture tension which a pair of western brothers go through. For instance, POV shots elevate the team up scene. During this heartfelt scene, Eli goes on a journey with his brother across western prairie. Using stunning POV shots, Audiard creates a portrait of western rangers that is compelling. POV shots are tricky techniques to use in films. As Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnolia” suggested, POV shots enhance mosaic dramas. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using stunning visuals, Audiard captures tensions that western brothers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Sisters Brothers” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is well-made. Inspired with Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven”, Audiard expertly uses costumes to capture the hardship of outlaws which are unforgiven. Throughout the movie, Eli’s costumes demonstrate his transformation into an outlaw that proves to be unforgiven. For instance, Eli’s costumes elevate the outlaw scene. During this tense scene, Eli faced a stressful situation when he is pursued by police authorities. Through stunning costumes, Audiard crafts a portrait of outlaws that is compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is marvellous. Alexandre Desplat’s commemorated music is key towards success of the movie. It gives the movie an atmosphere capturing the heavy given western brothers bear. Using captivating production, Audiard captures the lives of western rangers facing life-threatening tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Sisters Brothers” is a western which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture lives of brothers which experience tension. For instance, silence enhances the farewells scene. During this memorable scene, Eli faces tension when he bids an emotional farewells to his brother. Through silence, Audiard creates a portrait of brothers that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in most movies. As Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster” claimed, silence elevates dystopian dramas. Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” suggested silence elevates gangster movies. However, it works immensely. Using an extraordinary screenplay, Audiard captures west brothers facing pice to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
John C. Reilly delivers one of his best career performances as Eli. Reilly earned praise for playing police officers in crime dramas. With “The Sisters Brothers”, however, Reilly took upon his most complex role. It isn’t simple to portray a western ranger embarking upon a treacherous journey but he succeeded. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in a past before: intense, charismatic and strong in his most memorable role. Reilly has often excelled at playing emotional heroes which are under tense pressure, and “The Sisters Brothers” demonstrated his strengths as an actor. It’s a powerful performance from one of the best actors working.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Reilly, the supporting cast is also superb and worthy of appreciation. Riz Ahmed is remarkable, capturing painful obstacles of a western ranger seeking to find treasure that is special. Jake Gyllenhaal is extraordinary, capturing the downfall faced by an outlaw whose past life is often hard to recall. Lastly, Joaquin Phoenix merits appreciation. He brings hilarious comical relief to the movie.
Finally, “The Sisters Brothers” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing brothers. Unlike most movies about lives of brothers, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, brotherhood and mental health which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of westerns to enjoy it. Therefore, “The Sisters Brothers” is one of those rare commemorated films that everyone would adore.
Fans of John C. Reilly would truly enjoy “The Sisters Brothers” and so would movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. A strong western, it honours an actor that deserves appreciation.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about a pair of brave brothers embarking upon a dangerous adventure, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with a charismatic nature that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which audiences commonly treasure.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 