Free State Of Jones

There are some actors who are stuck in bad films, and keep on doing them for a long period. We could mention many actors that have been in this situation, but let´s focus on one particular actor. Matthew McConaughey, the man most of you know from The Lincoln Lawyer, Dallas Buyers Club or Interstellar. But after he did a really good performance in Frailty, back in 2001, his road became unfocused. With films such as How To Lose A Guy In 10 Dates, Failure To Launch and Fool´s Gold, his film choices seemed to be only about making money. He did do ok at least in Two For The Money with Al Pacino, but between this film it did look dark. Everything really turned around when he proved himself again, taking on the lead role of The Lincoln Lawyer. A different film from Matthew´s usual choices, and it turned out to be a great choice. He continued taking on much more stronger material, where i think Dallas Buyers Club might be one of his strongest performances in his career. Based on the true story about Ron Woodroof, who was diagnosed with HIV in he 80´s, was on of the best films that came out in 2013. Jared Leto also did a fantastic performance as the drug addicted trans woman Rayon, also HIV-positive. A film you all should own on dvd or blu ray, a modern classic if you ask me. Matthew continued working on more really great films, and it seemed as he really wanted to focus on much more serious projects. We almost forgot to mention the very good drama called Mud, a very powerful film with really good acting. Also one of the best performances i have ever seen Reese Witherspoon do. After Matthew McConaughey worked with Christopher Nolan on the film Interstellar, he decided to do a completely different film called The Sea Of Trees. This film is directed by legendary director Gus Van Sant, and you might think that this combination would be fantastic. The truth is that most critics hated the film, and it was also an enormous box office bomb. I have not seen this film yet, but i probably will. In early 2016, i was hearing that Matthew was releasing a new film called Free States Of Jones. Since i enjoy watching films, based on true historical events, i kept my eye for a release date. I was supposed to see this film in cinemas, but it did not show many weeks in Sweden, so got the chance to watch the blu ray instead. Is McConaughey back on his oustanding acting level, or was this a bad choice ?

Newton Knight ( Matthew McConaughey ), is a poor farmer from Jones County, who managed to survive the Battle Of Corinth, in 1862. Serving as a battlefield medic in the Confederate Army. He finally get to go back home to his farm, and his wife Serena Knight ( Keri Russel ), after deserting from the Confederate Army. Newton become a friend to a slave woman, named Rachel ( Gugu Mbatha-Raw ). He makes sure she is safe, even though she is being treated bad by certain white men. But the situation between Newton and Confederacy grows more serious, after he finds out that they have seized crops and livestocks. Newton decide to strike back, through helping a family protecting their farm. But he is badly injured, from a dogs bite. He gets medical help, thanks to Moses Washington ( Mahershala Ali ). Newton gather some slaves, and other men into the swamp, after the Siege Of Vicksburg increase problems. This gathering of deserters and runaways, is now made into a armed rebellion against the Confederacy. This group of men are named " Free State Of Jones ", after they successfully manage to capture a large slice of south-east Mississippi. Newton want the people to take back their freedom, no matter what the prize is.

There are some things you want to see, when you watch a film based on true historical events. You want to see strong characters, a well made story that capture the historical time period, and the costumes. If we take a look at Free States Of Jones, we find some of of the points i mentioned earlier. We have some great characters, and the time period if caught pretty good. You can tell that the film tries to tell different sides, from the poor slave people, the Confederate Army, and the life of Newton Knight. I like the fact that the film tries to include a lot of people, known for being in the Civil War. Even if we don´t get to know a lot about Newton Knight, you can tell that he seemed to be a man who wanted to make things right. That you always do what is right, and protect the poor. Matthew McConaughey make a great performance as Newton Knight, and he was just the right choice to make this historical legend. I also feel that Gugu Mbatha-Raw, as Rachel, also gives this film a strong portrait. Another actor i have to mention is of course Thomas Francis Murphy, as Elias Hood. He really fits in character, and the whiskey scene is a perfect example of his acting abilities. The story around Newton Knight is moved within different events of his life, and we do get to know some about his personal issues. The only problem i have with this film, is the length. Almost 2 hours and 30 minutes. The biggest issue is that the film moves very slow in some scenes, and in a film this long, you need to keep it interesting basically all along. Director Gary Ross is pehaps mostly known for directing the first The Hunger Games film. He also directed Seabiscuit with a young Tobey Maguire in the lead role. I think he have managed to make a interesting historical film with Free States Of Jones, and mainly because of the great cast. What director Gary Ross should have done, is made more scenes feel much more deep. It feels a bit simple just to let the dialogue do most of the work. But once Matthew McConaughey becomes more angry, and emotional, we get some of the more dark tones, that the Civil Was was filled with. Free State Of Jones is a well made film, no doubt about that, and i really enjoy some of the performances. Too bad we did not get more out of such a long film, but i still think you should see this film. Because historical films, based on true events are important to see. One thing is clear though, that whiskey back in those days would be interesting to taste. 

Rating: DDD