Renz
An Army of One
Amazon.com
A dark and spare thriller about irresistible forces headed for a collision with an immovable object. The latter is the local sheriff in a small Arkansas town (Bill Paxton); the former are a trio of L.A. drug dealers (Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Beach, Cynda Williams), who, having committed a multiple murder, head for that tiny town on the lam to hide out with Williams's family. Directed by Carl Franklin from a script cowritten by Thornton, the film contrasts the converging parties: Paxton as the eager small-timer who resents getting the high hat from the FBI and aches to prove himself; Thornton as the explosive bad guy who looks like a pussycat next to the sadistic Beach. In the middle is the subtle, low-key performance by Williams, who has secrets neither side is aware of. Compelling and energy-charged, without taking a single obvious step.
It is disappointing that this film never achieved more acclaim because it is fantastic. Maybe it is because it was made before "independent" films were as heavily marketed or because billy Bob Thornton was a relative unknown when the film was made.
This is a taut thriller. It keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat throughout. Great interaction between the characters and very good performances by Paxton and Thornton. The movie gets you very involved with the characters and is one of those films that you can't get out of your head for quite some time afterwards.
If you haven't seen One False Move please check it out. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
A dark and spare thriller about irresistible forces headed for a collision with an immovable object. The latter is the local sheriff in a small Arkansas town (Bill Paxton); the former are a trio of L.A. drug dealers (Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Beach, Cynda Williams), who, having committed a multiple murder, head for that tiny town on the lam to hide out with Williams's family. Directed by Carl Franklin from a script cowritten by Thornton, the film contrasts the converging parties: Paxton as the eager small-timer who resents getting the high hat from the FBI and aches to prove himself; Thornton as the explosive bad guy who looks like a pussycat next to the sadistic Beach. In the middle is the subtle, low-key performance by Williams, who has secrets neither side is aware of. Compelling and energy-charged, without taking a single obvious step.
It is disappointing that this film never achieved more acclaim because it is fantastic. Maybe it is because it was made before "independent" films were as heavily marketed or because billy Bob Thornton was a relative unknown when the film was made.
This is a taut thriller. It keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat throughout. Great interaction between the characters and very good performances by Paxton and Thornton. The movie gets you very involved with the characters and is one of those films that you can't get out of your head for quite some time afterwards.
If you haven't seen One False Move please check it out. I guarantee you will enjoy it.
