The Whole Shootin' Match is a movie that most people know today as the catalyst for the creation of the Sundance Film Festival. Indeed, the rustic, almost unpolished feel of the movie gives it the trademark "regional" feel, making it a film that is different from the typically polished, professionally made films of Hollywood; although the film is comparatively unpolished, or rather because of it, there is a sense of authenticity that could not have been captured in a Hollywood studio. Apparently, due to budgetary strains, which included shortage of film stock, the film-makers could not afford to retake many shots, which explains the slightly clumsy acting at certain points; however, don't get me wrong: the actors are extremely talented, and they do a great job for the most part, it's just that they falter a little bit in a few scenes here and there.
Eagle Pennell does a very competent job directing this movie. Although Pennell grew up in a college town, it feels as though he is well in touch with the sensibilities of the people of the rural South. The main character of the movie is your quintessential, happy-go-lucky southern folk who goes about dragging his feet as he attempts to move up in life; by the end of the movie, he is right where he began. The way I read it, the movie is telling its audience that every person has a certain place in society, dictated by his own level of competence, and he should learn to live within his means, and be grateful for what he has. One thing I would especially like to mention is the background music: it is a wonderful classically influenced, folksy guitar soundtrack strummed by the brother of Pennell. The soundtrack really made the experience of watching the film pleasant, and added to that feel of authenticity.
Eagle Pennell does a very competent job directing this movie. Although Pennell grew up in a college town, it feels as though he is well in touch with the sensibilities of the people of the rural South. The main character of the movie is your quintessential, happy-go-lucky southern folk who goes about dragging his feet as he attempts to move up in life; by the end of the movie, he is right where he began. The way I read it, the movie is telling its audience that every person has a certain place in society, dictated by his own level of competence, and he should learn to live within his means, and be grateful for what he has. One thing I would especially like to mention is the background music: it is a wonderful classically influenced, folksy guitar soundtrack strummed by the brother of Pennell. The soundtrack really made the experience of watching the film pleasant, and added to that feel of authenticity.