Saw MEEK'S CUTOFF last night in a free preview screening for members of the Asheville Film Society. The only other Reichardt I've seen is WENDY AND LUCY, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as I did this one. As mentioned on the show, the life-or-death stakes bring intrigue and suspense to each decision and practically every scene. The characters' uncertainty as to what's over the next hill and the location of a much-needed water source quickly becomes our uncertainty; their growing desperation, too. I loved the lack of exposition (even less than in WENDY AND LUCY). The "manifest destiny" motivation is so well-ingrained that we don't need to know the specifics of this journey.
Reichardt does an excellent job presenting the perspective of the women, keeping the camera and sound with them as the party's men step away to make decisions. These techniques were so effective that numerous fellow moviegoers shouted at our Artistic Director to increase the volume. The audience also didn't respond well to the unresolved ending, but I found it far less abrupt (though equally effective) compared to something like A SERIOUS MAN. The shot was so long and inserted at such a point that if the film didn't end it would have felt inauthentic.
What did everyone think of Bruce Greenwood's accent? I can't decide if it's cajun, Kentucky, or something in between. Whatever it is, it's cartoonish, bombastic, and fun in the manner of Daniel Plainview and fit the tall tale Meek well.