Far Marfa

I saw this movie at the River Run Film Festival in Winston-Salem - in my opinion it was the best of the new fictional works I saw there. Creative story, with layers of plot and sub-plots; believable dialog, well-filmed and exceptionally well-edited, especially for a first-time director. And with just the right touch of humor. Johnny Sneed was the perfect choice for the role of Carter, and the chemistry between he and Jolyn Janis (Quarry) is apparent. The cinematography captures the remoteness of West Texas, and the eccentricity of the local population - the two deputies were classic! The people who rated this a 1 should be ashamed; they must have been intentionally malicious, or maybe Grade B martial arts films are their idea of excellence. Mr. Van Dyke is clearly a talented up-and-coming director.

I am from Texas and have visited Marfa many times so when I saw this title I had high hopes. Unfortunately this movie fails on so many levels. The acting seemed straight from a high school play, it was contrived and downright laughable in many parts. Sneed is the only actor that seems to have any type of theatrical training, the actresses (Janis and Mintz) were absolutely horrible and made the movie even more difficult to watch.

Overall this was a decent idea but the follow through behind the idea was severely lacking. Maybe with a more professional crew the movie could have been better but as it is I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, not even the usual art-house hipsters that may find this type of movie entertaining.

Id give a 1/10 but there were some redeeming aspects to the movie, mainly that it did eventually end!

**edit

and to reply to the other reviewer: Being from Alpine, which is right next door to Marfa, I really wanted this movie to be good. Sadly this movie was anything but good, to describe it as art house drivel would be insulting to drivel.

and trust me folks, this movie is not near a 8.3/10 or whatever rating it has. you are telling me this movie is on par with Full Metal Jacket or Blade Runner (both have the same rating) hah! everyone that voted a 10/10 is obviously related to the cast or crew.