The Hi-Lo Country review

Ever since author Max Evans published his novel, The Hi-Lo Country, in 1961, it has been slated for motion picture adaptation, with director Sam Peckinpah attempting to bring it to the screen many times during the intervening years.

And then Martin Scorsese was handed a copy of the tale that takes place on the fading prairies of the post-World War II West, as the face of the country was gearing up for its most radical change yet.

Already committed elsewhere, Scorsese adopted production duties, and nine years on from The Grifters, reunited with Brit director Stephen Frears by handing him the reins to a wholly American drama of friendship, passion and betrayal.

Billy Crudup stars as chiselled, brooding Pete Calder, attempting to preserve the cowboy way in the face of mechanisation in the New Mexico town of Hi-Lo, and forget lifelong lust Mona (Patricia Arquette) who's now a married woman.

But despite the attentions of loving girlfriend Josepha (Penelope Cruz), Pete's desires are stirred when he learns Mona is not averse to a bit on the side. The problem is, that bit is Pete's best mate and partner Big Boy Matson (Woody Harrelson), and the situation boils up into a tense, emotional pressure cooker as Pete's strong brotherly bond with Big Boy is severely tested by his raging loins.

Where many films seeking a epic canvas have failed in the past has been in concentrating on the sweep, and forgetting the specifics - epic human drama always operates on the smallest scale. So it is that while Frears (and Director of Photography Oliver Stapleton) capture the breath-taking scope of the large, New Mexico country, the story is anchored in the minutiae of tangled relationships and the stress of making a living from a land in twilight.

In this, Harrelson shows once again what he can do if he puts half a mind to it: a charismatic, full-blooded character, attracting attention, affection and no small portion of strife.

And to his credit, Crudup continually restrains himself in a deftly under-played performance - his quiet contrast reinforces the intent shown in his lesser-seen athletic biopic Without Limits to act rather than simply rely on pretty-boy looks.

They're well supported by the likes of Arquette, Cruz and Sam Elliott (as Hi-Lo Mr Big Jim Ed Love) and a well-selected cast offering rich, authentic depth.

It's quite long and very classical, so thrill-seekers or those after more downbeat western need gird themselves for proper drama. But in treading a line that's neither traditional oater nor cattle-ranching soaper, the Hi-Lo team have fashioned a serious, involving pic worthy of the more discerning cinemagoer's attention.