Key Takeaways:
– Taylor Sheridan’s film, ‘Hell or High Water’, holds a deep personal significance for him.
– Sheridan revealed the film was initially planned as a road film, not a neo-western.
– The movie unintentionally became a neo-western due to its setting.
Unearthing the Deep Emotional Connection in Sheridan’s Film
Hollywood maverick, Taylor Sheridan, admired for his exceptional storytelling skills, has gifted his audience many gripping stories, including ‘Sicario’, ‘Wind River’, and Yellowstone franchise. Known for his knack for raw and intense narratives, Sheridan doesn’t shy away from exploring unconventional stories and genres. However, one of his creations that truly stands out is the 2016 neo-western crime drama, ‘Hell or High Water’.
Sheridan’s Emotional Attachment to ‘Hell or High Water’
Surprising the audience, Taylor Sheridan revealed in a conversation with Interview Magazine that ‘Hell or High Water’, a film he wrote but didn’t direct, was extremely close to his heart. While not being autobiographical, he divulged that the narrative is heavily influenced by his regional roots and close family members. It was this personal connection and rooted truth that articulated Sheridan’s bond with his creation.
Sheridan defined the connection with his films by comparing ‘Hell or High Water’ with his other much-acclaimed film ‘Wind River.’ He quoted, “It’s very personal for different reasons. Hell or High Water is not autobiographical, but it’s about the region where I’m from and members of my family… Whereas this is personal in a way that is a little more difficult to articulate.”
The ‘Accidental’ Evolution of ‘Hell or High Water’
Starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster, ‘Hell or High Water’ made its grand premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016, winning much acclaim for its unique storyline and stellar performances. Along with four Oscar nominations, the film also found its place in the top ten films listed by The American Film Institute.
However, what makes it even more fascinating is the fact that the neo-western crime drama was initially planned as a road film. The transformation into a neo-Western drama was something Sheridan had not envisioned, hence he calls it a happy accident.
Speaking to IndieWire, Sheridan shared how the modern-day Texan cowboy culture unintentionally played into the narrative of the film, making it a quasi-western. He said, “You set something in modern-day Texas, which is so identifiable as the old west, and everyone’s wearing guns, so it looks like it’s going to be by default partially considered a western.”
Adding more to its genre, Sheridan described the film as a buddy road film, a heist thriller with elements of a western showdown, delivering a sense of realism for the viewers. ‘Hell or High Water’ did resonate with the viewers exactly as Sheridan intended. Chicago Sun Times’ Richard Roeper perfectly captured the essence of the movie stating, “the moment it was over was the moment” he “wanted to see it again.”
Conclusion
‘Hell or High Water’, made on a budget of $12 million, garnered a worldwide collection of $37 million, boasting a high score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. To witness this unintentional yet incredible transformation from a road film to a neo-western, you can rent or buy ‘Hell or High Water’ on Prime Video. As Sheridan continues to astound us with his storytelling skills, the film stays as a testament to the creator’s ability to tell stories that resonate deeply, both with him and his viewers.
