MUD - DIFF 2013

I had been hearing about MUD for awhile now and when I saw that it was being screened at the Dallas International Film Festival there was no doubt I was going to be there. MUD is about Ellis and his friend Neckbone. They find a man hiding out on an island in the Mississippi while going to see about a boat. The title, MUD, is the name of the man on the island which is played by Matthew Mcconaughey. Although the title would suggest this film is about that character it really is not. McConaughey does give a very good performance and his story line moves the film along but in my opinion this film is about Ellis. It is a coming of age story that just happens to involve a fugitive, his girlfriend, the Mississippi river and bounty hunters. As I watched the film I found myself being drawn more to Ellis and his story than necessarily caring about MUD and his outcome. The film was well received at the festival and the Q&A afterwards was informative and entertaining. The director, Jeff Nicholas, was in attendance as were the two boys, Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland.

Picture provided by DIFF 2013