Guillermo del Toro likes to take his time when discovering new gems, as he believes that people nowadays consume a lot of media and ultimately forget to reflect and process what they have watched. By moving at a slower pace, the filmmaker gets to really understand and appreciate the film, and this is exactly what happened to him when he watched David Mackenzie’s Hell or High Water.
The neo-Western crime drama film came from the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan. It was the title that revived the genre and placed the writer’s name on the Hollywood map, notably earning four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
How Taylor Sheridan’s Hell or High Water impressed Guillermo del Toro
It’s no wonder that Guillermo del Toro is a huge fan of Taylor Sheridan’s Hell or High Water. He may be known as a master in the horror genre, but he watches a variety of movies to gain more knowledge and learn new techniques.
While speaking with Bright Wall/Dark Room, del Toro revealed he was captivated by the 2016 drama, among other titles out there.
Many movies that affected me this year, they can range from Hell or High Water—which is a great little movie that moved me and grabbed my attention…
The movie follows two brothers who were forced to carry out a series of bank robberies in order to save their family ranch, only if it wasn’t for the two Texas Rangers who were assigned to stop them.
While many would think it’s a typical heist film, those who have watched it would see that it serves as a commentary on the poverty that plagued rural Texas and the injustices carried out against Native Americans.
As part of Sheridan’s trilogy about the modern-day American frontier, Hell or High Water delivered its message loud and clear. Many films today have lost their essence by incorporating various woke agendas instead of focusing on the story.
As someone who considers everything to be political, del Toro loved the movie for its subtle political tones. The director has always been inclusive and accepting of diverse backgrounds in his works, although these elements are seamlessly integrated into the storylines.
Guillermo del Toro on injecting political elements into his movies
Del Toro confessed in the same interview that every film he makes, regardless of the genre, is informed by his thoughts and feelings toward the ever-evolving world, although the political aspects are not fully conscious decisions. They are masked through symbolism, which is a prominent technique that he uses in almost every single movie.
It’s great to hear that del Toro appreciates Sheridan’s film, as it not only captured his attention but also affected him in certain ways, which is absolutely one of the purposes of cinema. Indeed, we need more movies that prioritize narrative over agenda.
Hell or High Water is currently available to watch on Hulu.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
