It’s interesting to see the journey Matthew McConaughey’s career has taken in recent years. He’s very quickly becoming this generation’s answer to the chameleon-like acting prowess of Robert De Niro’s early days in Hollywood. His dramatic performances seem to be almost nonstop now, and the latest example is absolutely one of his best to date. FREE STATE OF JONES takes place during the Civil War in the early 1860s, in which McConaughey plays a defiant Southern farmer named Newton Knight, who grows tired of watching young men die in the battlefields, and ends up deserting to stay home with his wife and baby. He also stands with the neighbors when military men come looking to take their supplies. Eventually Knight must leave his family and go into hiding, finding himself with runaway slaves and other deserting soldiers and farmers. What starts as a small group of scared individuals grows into an army of desperate warriors. Knight defines them as an armed rebellion against the Confederacy, naming them a “Free State of Jones” and leading them in fights against those who would try to bring them down or force them back into service. His efforts helped Jones County, Mississippi secede from the Confederacy, and brought together people who normally never would have been side by side.

Gary Ross (THE HUNGER GAMES) serves as director on this film, giving it a dark and authentic look and feel. Though the production sports an R-rating, it holds back more than audiences might expect, especially considering the events taking place. The opening battle sequence is pretty rough, featuring a few moments of gory war carnage, but there are long stretches with no blood or rough stuff, which admirably feels like Ross showing he doesn’t need those trappings to tell this story. It’s also a sometimes depressing affair, feeling like a history lesson with moments of intensity thrown in to keep folks alert. But McConaughey’s sincere and commanding performance elevates the material and makes the end result rather captivating. Gugu Mbatha-Raw does a fine job playing the unexpected confidant for our hero, eventually becoming a love interest that’s established subtly. Keri Russell is great playing Knight’s estranged wife, stressed by the difficulties of the time, and having to lose the man of the house. It’s inspired casting, but she sells the role quite well. Also excellent is Mahershala Ali (THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY Part 1 and 2) as Newton’s friend Moses who goes from being a runaway slave to becoming a confident leader among the group – this should absolutely lead to more meaty roles for Ali.

What I appreciated most about FREE STATE OF JONES is that it looks and feels realistic and powerful without ever feeling showy or pandering. Even elements like racism, which was absolutely a major thing back then, is never force fed to us or shown in a guilt-laden fashion. Movies of this type usually come across either too simplistic and boring, or over the top and insincere. This is a balanced and genuine presentation that tells it like it is, and really feels like a story that needs to be told. It’s also yet another impressive showcase piece for McConaughey, who surely knew this wouldn’t be a blockbuster but wanted to be a part of it anyway. While it’s not the most exciting movie of its type, and could easily get lost in the big summer releases, I hope people make time to check it out and appreciate the work put into it. As the years go by, important American history like this seems to be overlooked more and more by Hollywood, so it’s especially nice when we see it done so well.

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•