This is one weird western. It’s a comedy, of sorts, but more satire with a big feminist bent. David and Nathan Zellner are Austin, Texas based filmmakers known for going for what’s a little offbeat. They take this Western on an unusual road trip shot and set in Utah and the Oregon coast in the old days. It’s includes a love story, killings, explosions and dark humor. Ever see someone yodel at a hanging?
We saw Damsel at the Chicago Film Critics Festival in May. The Zellners were in attendance.The brothers wrote and directed this film together. The language used in the script is more contemporary than from the Old West. The brothers were all set to go with this feature but lost the funding, so they put it on the back burner and went ahead with the notable Sundance Award winner Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter. However, the brothers agree that doing Kumiko and subsequent shorts gave them the confidence and support to do this one.
Both Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska play against type in this film. The Zellner’s said they wanted recognized stars who would do just that. Pattison steps up his game playing Samuel. He’s the rich, lovesick suitor, on a quest to find his fiancé, Penelope. She’s the woman of his dreams who he met 2 years prior and hasn’t seen since.
He’s determined to find her and makes the trip with a beautiful miniature horse in tow named “Butterscotch.” The Zellner’s say they wanted the “Farah Fawcett of miniature horses” and Daisy (her real name) is just that. In fact, she might be our favorite character. At least, she’s the only one who doesn’t cause trouble. The first half of the film is told from Samuel’s point of view and you can’t wait to see him get back together with his true love.
The last half of the film is from Penelope’s point of view and you will see Mia Wasikowska as you’ve never seen her before. She is strong and constantly yelling and swearing at who or whatever at the the top of her lungs with such disdain that it gets funny. She is one tough cookie totally capable of taking care of herself out in the wilderness. Damsel in distress? Not so much.
David Zellner plays the frequently inebriated Parson Henry who Samuel brings along so he can officiate when he finds and wants to marry his precious Penelope. Zellner as the Parson provides much of the comedy dealing with Samuel,roughing it on the picturesque trail constantly being threatened with his life from both Samuel and Penelope. He’s definitely the man in the middle who gets himself in and out of some precarious situations with both of them. Nathan Zellner provides some comedy as well as Rufus Cornwell.
The music throughout are worth noting. The Zellner’s have worked with Octopus Project for the music for their projects before, including their shorts and music videos. Their collaboration for this one started when still in idea stage and the Zellners say they added score for certain scenes as they were shooting. David says they like Octopus Project does because they picked up on the tone of the film right away, especially in enhancing the dynamic landscape. Cinematopgrapher Adam Stone (Loving, Midnight Special) captured the landscapes ad vistas making them look like beautiful paintings. We particularly liked the way he captured the white birch forest.
We were confused by the beginning of the film. It opens with Sam and Penelope dancing together at some wonderfully, grand happy celebration. They look like a couple in love and she looks like an adorable damsel. The choreography is amazing!
But then it goes directly into Samuel’s search for Penelope and we never get to see how they split in the first place. But the interaction of the characters through the rest of the film is enough to keep you curious, even though it takes awhile to get their drift. Robert Pattinson as smooth and passionate with Mia Wasikowska as a powerhouse, but raving banshee, give unexpected performances. It’s fun watching them horse around in this Western.
Magnolia Pictures 1 hour 53 minutes R Reviewed June 25, 2018
