As a big fan of Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter (2011), I was looking forward to seeing what he would bring to the table next i his latest motion picture, Mud. From the first footage, I was intrigued. Matthew McConaughey appeared to be playing a role unlike any other, and the cinematography looked set to amaze. Having seen Mud, I'm happy to say that not only is Mud on par with expectations, it blows them out of the water.
Mud takes the beauty of Take Shelter and drives it home with a story packed with layers and an assortment of characters, each with their own interesting backstories and personalities. It's a reminder of why movies are so great, and shows how beautiful they can be. In it's two and-a-half hour runtime, Mud teaches us so much, whilst remaining one of the most visually stimulating movies of the year.
Although Matthew McConaughey certainly hits it out of the park with his ever-intriguing character Mud, Tye Sheridan is the real star of this movie playing Ellis. Although Jacob Lofland also delivers an exciting and often humorous performance as Neckbone, and the two together provide the best chemistry in the movie, it's the Tye Sheridan who truly carries the movie. His character Ellis provides the majority of the emotion and drama in Mud as the movie's story unfolds around him.
In terms of cast, there's no weak link to be found. Reese Witherspoon, Sam Shepard and Ray McKinnon all deliver exceptional performances in their supporting roles, with enough time being allowed for each character to full develop and find a place in the story. However, Michael Shannon deserves an honorable mention for providing the majority of the comic relief in the film, playing a role worlds different from his role as the protagonist in Jeff Nichols' Take Shelter.
Overall, Mud is a strong reminder of the beauty of cinema, providing humor, drama and emotional attachment to an array of characters, all reflecting people or problems that we face very day. All of these piece together to create one of the greatest coming of age movies. Thanks to some of the most beautiful cinematography that's been seen not just this year, but in the last decade, Mud is a piece of movie memory that will not be soon forgotten.
"It's a helluva thing... A helluva thing..."
-George