I finally saw "Mud," the film written and directed by Arkansan Jeff Nichols (pictured with Matthew McConaughey). The movie is also set and filmed in Arkansas, specifically on the White River and in and around Dewitt, Dumas, and Stuttgart. As in his previous movies, "Shotgun Stories" and "Take Shelter," Nichols writes and films true to location and character. The movie may have been a little too true-to-life for some in the way that some scenes did not lead to a big dramatic effect on the overall story. For example, when Neckbone's uncle, played by Michael Shannon, spies on the boys on the island with Mud, one would expect something to come of it, be it sinister or simply a loud confrontation with Neckbone. What Nichols gives us however is a quiet exposition of the type of relationship the uncle and nephew have. I doubt a lesser actor than Shannon could have pulled off the subtlety needed to portray that character. The same can be said of Ray McKinnon as Ellis' father. The only adults in the movie that were not fully fleshed out were the bad guys.
Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland, as the 14 year olds Ellis and Neckbone, respectively, were the central characters and turned in outstanding performances. No doubt due to their own acting abilities guided and honed by Nichols.
I saw Nichols' previous two movies on DVD at home. I saw "Mud" at a Saturday matinee in a North Little Rock theater five weeks after its opening. The theater was packed. I cannot remember the last time I encountered so much audience participation at a movie. It was impossible not to laugh along with everyone after practically every line out of Neckbone's mouth. We moaned in unison out of sympathy or distress. On the screen, it was apparent this was an Arkansas film but not any more so than it was apparent in that audience. We Arkies love our creative artists and are as proud of them as we are our own children in their class plays and dance recitals.
