Fishtail

Fishtail is a captivating 2014 documentary that attempts to preserve an era that's disappearing due to the relentless march of modernity. Directed by Andrew Renzi and starring Tylee Abbott and the late Harry Dean Stanton, the film captures the essence of ranch life in a touching and poetic way. The essence of Fishtail is veined with the spirit of preserving historic American values and a way of life that is threatened with extinction.

The documentary unfolds on the expansive Fishtail Basin Ranch in Montana, where modernity recedes in the face of sweeping landscapes and rustic pastimes. The ranch, as the last enclave of an old, rich history of cowboy culture, stretches over 2,000 acres and, through its rugged ambience, sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the life of the modern cowboy and his commitment to preserving the American frontier.

Tylee Abbott, an accomplished cowboy, is the pivot of this story. He stars as himself, immersed in the task of keeping alive the traditional ways of cowboy life, nurturative of the land and in tune with the circular rhythm of the seasons. Abbott is responsible for running the ranch and keeping its history alive as well as attending to the ranch's herds, primarily comprising Texas Longhorn cattle.

In a striking contrast of personalities, we have Harry Dean Stanton, the famed American actor known for his quintessential character roles. In this intimate film, Stanton provides voiceover narrative poetry that further enriches the already compelling story. Accentuating the rustic charm and cowboy culture, his narration is poignant and reflective, often densely packed with wisdom and insights about life, nature, and the human spirit.

Fishtail, in its essence, is a documentary that tastes strongly of poignant and piercing poetry rather than a mere capturing of the quotidian. The film's language derives from the aesthetics and thematic permanence of nature. The themes of survival, the renewing power of the seasonal cycle, the mutual respect between humans and animals, and the quiet dignity of manual labor echo resonantly throughout the narrative.

The camerawork in Fishtail is notably exceptional, capturing the majesty and raw beauty of the Montana landscapes. Scenes seamlessly shift from sweeping vistas of snow-dusted peaks to intimate shots of the ranchers at work or the cattle grazing. The cinematography exudes reverence for the ranch and its surroundings, capturing the seasonal dynamics in their full glory. From the ice-laden crystals of winter to the lush greenery of spring, every frame hints at the visceral bond between man, animal, and nature.

Unlike fast-paced, action-packed films, Fishtail is profound in its use of silence. The film unfolds at a contemplative pace, allowing viewers to ponder the sights and sounds on display. The nearly meditative pace paired with Stanton's soulful narration draws viewers into a deeper understanding of the cowboy's world and relationship with nature.

Fishtail is relayed in a compelling, almost hypnotic visual narrative, stretching over the ranch's yearly cycle, and ensuring that the seasons and their cyclic nature become characters in the story. The cyclical journey parallels the life of the cattle—from birth to maturity and finally, to their last journey to the sales yards.

Fishtail is more an artistic exploration than a conventional documentary. The film deceptively creates a sense of timelessness, offering an elegant examination of the persisting spirit of America's old way of life. This exploration isn't merely romantic; it portrays the daunting challenge of maintaining a manual and sustainable way of life in the face of encroaching mechanization and digital disconnect.

Throughout Fishtail, Abbott and Stanton give an unfading tribute to the vestiges of the Old West. The film delivers an exquisite story laced with undertones of resilience, respect, and restraint and laced with a reverence for the disappearing customs of American ranchers. Fishtail gives a candid glimpse into a way of life that most of us have only encountered in romanticized tales of the Old West, allowing us to appreciate the profound complexity and quiet dignity of the ranching lifestyle.

In a nutshell, Fishtail is a film that signals a powerful pulse of an enduring culture, a poetic record of the ancient bond between man and animal, and a tribute to the rugged beauty of the American frontier.