Guest Review: That Evening Sun
Review: That Evening Sun (2009)
by Jennifer Boulden
If we all, as Thoreau wrote, live lives of quiet desperation, there are times in any life when the desperation comes to a head and ceases any pretense of quietude.
The events in the small film That Evening Sun transpire at just such a time on a rural Tennessee farm gone to seed. Melodrama does not necessarily translate into a good film, but thanks to the solid ensemble of actors working at their peak in That Evening Sun, not only are the drama and tension heightened throughout, so is the fun of watching this riveting story climb to its transcendent climax.
First-time feature writer/director Scott Teems adapted William Gay’s classic Southern gothic short story “I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down.” The story follows widowed farmer Abner Meecham (Hal Holbrook), who escapes his nursing home with the intent of living out his remaining days more authentically on his old homestead, only to discover his son has rented his home to a local ne’er-do-well’s family, the Choats. Played with slow-burning menace yet uncanny empathy by Ray McKinnon, the skeevy Lonzo Choat wastes no time in telling the landowner he is not welcome on the farm and has no legal right to be there. The Choats have never had any land, and have been given a chance to buy the farm outright. When Abner refuses to leave, the two men find themselves in an untenable détente.
From this simple land conflict between generations and classes, Teems fleshes out the spare short story. The result is a lean screenplay that never falters in bringing the two charismatic leads into increasingly heated conflict. Combining humor and hubris, That Evening Sun is a case study in economic storytelling, almost classic Greek in its sensibilities. There is nary a moment that does not inform, enhance and propel the sense of character and setting that makes this taut film so powerful.
The story is unapologetically Southern yet avoids the pitfalls of regional clichés. Instead, Teems shows the thorough, true understanding and appreciation for the rural land, its people and their ways. Rather than he grating caricatures more often found in films about the South, he paints each specific character with the detailed brush of a portrait artist.
It’s a beautiful event in cinema when finely drawn characters land in the hands of actors who seem born to play the roles. Such is the case in That Evening Sun, which should result in more than one Academy Award nomination for its cast, starting with Holbrook.
Holbrook channels the loneliness of his Oscar-nominated turn in Into the Wild and adds layer after salty layer, creating a feisty protagonist we can adore one moment and pity in the next. His wrinkled visage sags with an old man’s bone weariness, while his shoulders carry the earned respect of a lifelong, successful farmer. Holbrook’s blue eyes alone hold acting classes: sparkling with Abner’s distinctively mischievous wit and intelligence; welling full of sadness, grief and regret; and icing over with a steely, mean determination to make things right at any cost. It’s a gravelly role Clint Eastwood might relish, and yet not play half as soulfully.
From their first encounter, Holbrook’s eyes blaze with anger and contempt whenever he shares a scene with McKinnon (an Oscar winner for his 2001 short film, The Accountant and co-producer here). As Lonzo Choat, McKinnon staggers, swaggers and lurches around his rent-to-own farm, six-pack in hand, with hollow bravado and good intentions turned sour. It is character actor McKinnon’s best work, a ferocious performance tempered and made credible by its subtleties in quieter moments.
Four characters round out the cast and give moral context to the two alpha males pitted against each other. The other Choats are Ludie (the ever-impressive Carrie Preston) and Pamela, their 16-year-old daughter played by Mia Wasikowska, whose gentle presence softens and brightens the screen as a counterpoint to the gruffness of the leads.
Barry Corbin (Northern Exposure, No Country for Old Men) plays Meecham’s best friend and neighbor Thurl, just as grizzled as Abner, yet more neutered by old age. Corbin’s role is small, almost underplayed, yet his scenes with Holbrook are among the film’s most touching. Co-producer Walton Goggins does his best with the least interesting role of the film as the slighted lawyer son.
The producers make good use of a small budget. Graceful cinematography by Rodney Taylor and an unobtrusive score by Chris Penn also elevate this beyond most Southern indies. The weakest point unfortunately is the denouement, which is Teems’ own and feels grafted onto the film rather than an organic progression from the powerhouse climax (Gay’s short story ends several beats earlier, sans complete resolution).
A lyric loneliness infuses the production. Somewhere in the middle of That Evening Sun, a scarecrow made of a wispy nightgown billows in the breeze: an elegant, ethereal, empty warning in a neglected field that has been all but forgotten in the struggle for it. Throughout the film, variations of certain plaintive Jimmie Rogers songs—including one with the eponymous line sung by Holbrook—supply a haunting musical elegy to times gone by and times that can never be.
The uncontrollable passage of time and accompanying loss of independence is painful for Holbrook’s octogenarian character from the film’s first most moments, and yet is a necessary inevitability no matter which way the war between him and Lonzo ends. Much as any of us may hate to see it, that evening sun goes down every night.
Still, there is beauty to be found in the process. In creating such real people, the film achieves an unpretentious universality supported by the integral themes of mortality, prejudice, guilt, and forgiveness and buoyed by the strong performances of its cast. And Teems’ first feature reminds us that sometimes it is still possible to find both small, brilliant films and fleeting, brilliant sunsets on our horizon.
Neither should be missed.
Ryan Adams says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 5:52pm
our own jennybee saw That Evening Sun at the Little Rock Film Festival earlier this year. Jenny wrote by email on May 13th:
With the renewed interest on Friday when we featured the poster, and after another round of favorable reviews from TIFF, now seems like a good time to give That Evening Sun a boost and hope that it gets picked up for distribution this season.
This summer, That Evening Sun collected a wheelbarrow full of festival honors:
Jury Award, Atlanta Film Festival
Audience Choice Award, Nashville Film Festival
Special Jury Award & Student Jury Award, Newport International Film Festival
Audience Award and Special Jury Award, SXSW Film Festival
Audience Award, Sarasota Film Festival
Michelle says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 5:54pm
What a fabulous review…Looks like Holbrook has entered this year’s Oscar race. Love the quote “It’s a gravelly role Clint Eastwood might relish, and yet not play half as soulfully.” Just goes to show that “The Clint” is not the end all, be all to every meaning film.
Bill says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 5:54pm
ryan does it have distribution?
Ryan Adams says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 6:03pm
Not as yet, Bill. We’re trying to let prospective distributors know we’re interested.
sartre says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 7:44pm
It is always a treat to read a film review by someone with your writing talent Jennifer. You seem to completely vibe with and understand the work’s sensibility and intent. Seeing another great late career performance by Holbrook is reason enough for me to seek out this film. But you make a strong case for it offering far more than a showcase for his brilliance. I just hope it’s released in my own part of the world.
John says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 9:06pm
Great review as always, Jenny. I loved this movie when we saw it at the Little Rock Film Festival, and you’ve whetted my appetite to see it again.
Princess of Peace says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 10:43pm
According to Box Office Mojo the film does have a distributor – Freestyle Releasing. It will be released in NYC on November 13, LA on November 20 and will expand on November 27. I am really looking forward to this film.
Pierre de Plume says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 1:22am
Good piece, Jennifer. Not only are you an excellent writer, you also can spot b.s. from a mile away. With good, authentic writing and performances headed by Holbrook, count me in. His work in Into the Wild was Oscarworthy. His presence in the lead category could liven things up and — most importantly — it sounds like the film has something worthwhile to say.
Sam Juliano says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 6:42am
“A lyric loneliness infuses the production. Somewhere in the middle of That Evening Sun, a scarecrow made of a wispy nightgown billows in the breeze: an elegant, ethereal, empty warning in a neglected field that has been all but forgotten in the struggle for it. Throughout the film, variations of certain plaintive Jimmie Rogers songs—including one with the eponymous line sung by Holbrook—supply a haunting musical elegy to times gone by and times that can never be.”
It is a beautifully written piece indeed, and this poetic passage is a prime example. Holbrook was superlative a few years back in a film I didn’t care much for, Sean Penn’s INTO THE WILD, but it certainly appears the material and the wistful talent have been wed here. Sounds like it’s a major achievement in ‘old age’ cinema, and your final coda here is priceless:
“Still, there is beauty to be found in the process. In creating such real people, the film achieves an unpretentious universality supported by the integral themes of mortality, prejudice, guilt, and forgiveness and buoyed by the strong performances of its cast. And Teems’ first feature reminds us that sometimes it is still possible to find both small, brilliant films and fleeting, brilliant sunsets on our horizon.”
This is one of the finest reviews I’ve read this year. It’s that simple.
John D. says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 9:23am
This film looks really good.
Fivus Viener says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:26am
Hal Holbrook was fantastic in Into the Wild. He had me in tears when he offered to adopt Chris.
jennybee says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:52am
Thanks guys! You’re too kind. I really just want people to keep this one on the radar and not underestimated it to the point it slips out of theaters unremarked. Princess of Peace, yes that’s the information I had, too. That they’re doing a very limited release and seeing what it does.
It’s a very small film but it does interesting new things with old thematic territory. The performances are terrific. As much as Holbrook deserves the accolades and a nomination, I think people are going to be surprised by Ray McKinnon here. He reminds me a little of how under the radar Michael Shannon was this time last year. He doesn’t overact, but nails his character like nobody’s business.
Teems and McKinnon were at a Q&A at the LRFF, and McKinnon came in looking 180 degrees different from Lonzo Choat–hip and poised, pulled together, smiling and gregarious. It was such a striking contrast to the character we’d just seen. One little old lady–obviously not a film buff–asked him a question: “How could you be so MEAN to Hal Holbrook?” Lol. He told her, “Well, I’m an ACTOR. So is he. It’s what we do. That wasn’t real, you see…” It was a pretty silly question, but I knew what she meant. He seems so nice and approachable, reconciling that with the fierce performance we’d just witnessed was nigh unimaginable. He had completely disappeared into that role. Awfully glad he came back out.
Pierre de Plume says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 3:38pm
I think you’re right about Ray McKinnon, Jennybee. I did some quick research on him — the guy seems to be not only quite talented by multifaceted. One might guess he’d have to be good to be in a position to work with someone of Mr. Holbrook’s talent and reputation.
Again, I’m frightfully glad (Halloween is coming up quick) that you brought this film to our attention.
jorge says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 8:12pm
i can see halbrock winning an oscar for some movie soon, i just cant forget him in into the wild it was speechless , im rooting for him in this . crossed fingers
Jamie says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 8:27pm
Nice review, maybe a great movie, but Holbrook probably can’t get nominated and definitely won’t win. They never give it to the old guy. Ask Peter O’Tool. No chance for Holbrook this year no way. Dunno about McKinnon maybe a nom.
Garett says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:04pm
His eyes can speak mountains. Hal Holbrook could use another nomination because his talent is unquestionable. I haven’t seen this film yet, but “Into the Wild” instantly put me on his rooting list.
Pierre de Plume says:
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 10:10pm
The prospects of Holbrook’s winning an Oscar certainly are debatable, but a nomination seems quite possible. Lots of older actors have been nominated in the lead and supporting categories, and many have won.
The following scenario doesn’t seem farfetched to me: Holbrook’s good standing in the eyes of the Academy — especially older members — could draw enough votes for McKinnon to make the film a cause celebre of sorts.
Two acting nominations, and maybe even the possibility of a screenplay nod, would certainly be worth a focused publicity campaign that could eventually result in a tidy profit as well as justified exposure for what sounds to be a worthy film.
Alison Flynn says:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:58am
An absolutely lovely review, jennybee! I’m looking forward to seeing this movie.
I have high hopes for Holbrook in this year’s Oscar race.
jennybee says:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 1:41pm
Thanks, Alison!
I wouldn’t write off Holbrook’s chances just because he’ll be 85 years old by the ceremony, Jamie. In some ways that gives him a sentimental boost, not that this performance needs it.
I thought he was far and away the best thing about Into the Wild, though in it such a short amount of time. Like I said in the review, he channels all that lonliness into a different character and has a full feature film of his own to explore it. He’s been a working actor for 55 years and it shows. He knows his craft and is able to hit the subtle quiet notes of Meecham as well as the raging crescendos and decrescendos and make it look easy.
It’s way too early in the race to be predicting anyone for the win. But don’t underestimate his shot at a nomination. He’s going to be fully in the race for one this year, no question in my mind.
jorge says:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 8:35pm
but he´s going for leading or supporting?, i really want to see him being nominated
carol says:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:16pm
Hal is the lead. McKinnon is very clearly supporting. Both turned in Oscar worthy performances, imo. You could make a case for Mia Wasikowska in supporting actress, but my guess is that’s too much to expect from a film of this size and the competition will be too stiff in supporting actress this year.
I noticed that Scott Teems won another festival Best Director award this week from the Sidewalk Film Fest in Birmingham. He makes a very strong impression for a first timer. The screenplay, too.
Going back to the discussion the other day I wonder what would happen if Caine and Duvall and Holbrook all ended up in the final heat for Best Actor. If they are, everyone will be trying to assign one of them the old man slot. Personally, I’d prefer to see all three of them up there and maybe Morgan Freeman too and make the youngsters like Jeremy Renner and Ben Whishaw wait it out this time.
Pierre de Plume says:
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 11:55pm
Personally, I’d prefer to see all three of them up there and maybe Morgan Freeman too and make the youngsters like Jeremy Renner and Ben Whishaw wait it out this time.
That would be fun to watch.
Jeff L. Shannon says:
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 11:22pm
WOW! To Sasha & the rest, this site certainly has grown over the past 8 years & BIG-TIME!
However, are the dates posted somewhere yet for the NYFCC, LAFCA & of couse the annual Golden Globe nods.???
PLEASE ASSIST
Steven 11836 says:
Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 7:22pm
I have a feeling he is for sure in the race for the leading man’s oscar. Holbrook is amazing in this film
Mike Cs says:
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 9:58pm
I want to say what a fantastic review, Jenny. Thank you.
I’m writing this well after all the other posts, but this film finally was released in Atlanta on one screen. I saw it on the recommendation of a friend who caught it at the Atlanta Film Festival. Such a shame that it did not receive the proper backing and almost no one will see it on the big screen. It is such a gem. Holbrook and McKinnon’s work stands up to whoever is going to be nominated and eventually win.