Director: John Sayles
Starring: Ron Canada, Chris Cooper, Mercedes Cruz, Clifton James, Kris Kristofferson, Matthew McConaughey, Frances McDormand, Joe Morton, Elizabeth Peña

- Reviewed by Kerri

The angry parents are gathered in the classroom, upset over Pilar Cruz's version of events of the Alamo she teaches their children. The debate gets heated, and Pilar laments: "I'm just trying to present the complexity of the situation here."

Outside, the landscape is dotted with cacti, wildflowers and dust. The Rio Grande carries fishing boats and illegal immigrants past run-down drive-ins and tree-lined streets. This is John Sayles' Texas, and he achieves in Lone Star what Pilar was attempting in the classroom.

When a body is discovered out on the old rifle range, Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) must delve into the past to solve the mystery. As he does he unravels several of the town's dark secrets, including the mystery of his own heroic father, Buddy Deeds (Matthew McConaughey). Sam knows the body is that of the county's notorious scrupulous sheriff, Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson); but what he suspects is that his revered father may be the killer.

The story unfolds in several flashbacks, pieces of cinematographic work themselves. Several side-stories tell the other facets of a county in which race is mixed and prejudices run deep. We are painted a picture of Mexican-Tejano life, of Blacks intermingling with Hispanics and Indians, of the poverty of a bordering nation, and the struggle for all to get along.

The message is subtle and not forced; the mood is reflective yet engaging. The scenes interweave so smoothly you are not lost. The characters are played well and you find yourself drawn to them. Simply put, this movie is as beautiful as the Texas landscape.

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