Hickok

Hickok from 2017, is a spirited, wild west movie that brings alive the lawlessness of the post-civil war era in the United States. The film is a dramatic blend of historical accuracy and reimagined narrative, showcasing the gun-slinging era of infamous lawmen and outlaws. Centered on James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok, expertly portrayed by Luke Hemsworth, the movie showcases formidable storyline and memorable performances by a diverse cast.

Hickok is a western retelling of the legendary figure, Wild Bill Hickok, who is not only celebrated as a tactful lawman but also remembered as a skilled gunslinger. The film begins with Hickok trying to escape his past, seemingly haunted by his reputation as a renowned quick draw. He drifts from town to town, hustling at poker games and trying to stay unnoticed until he lands in Abilene, Kansas. Here he is persuaded to take the position of Sheriff. The writer’s conceptualization of Wild Bill's character is not just concentrated on his legendary skills but also delves deeper into his personal life, his flaws, and his battle with inner demons.

Luke Hemsworth, known for his show 'Westworld,' is impressive as Hickok. He brings in the danger, charisma, torment, and the swagger that is expected of a legendary figure like Wild Bill. Underneath Hickok’s tough exterior, Hemsworth portrays a man battling his past, living under a facade of fearlessness. He carries off Hickok's rugged charm quite convincingly and keeps his performance interesting and nuanced throughout.

Supporting Hemsworth, country music star Trace Adkins plays the town's formidable saloon owner Phil Poe with a certain hard-nosed charisma that complements the world that has been set up so meticulously. Kris Kristofferson, a country music legend and renowned actor, adds a flare of authenticity as the town Mayor, loaning gravitas to the narrative. His scenes with Hemsworth provide some of the movie's finest moments.

Together, the performance of the entire cast, from the primary characters to the extras, breathe life into the town of Abilene, creating a vibrant, multi-dimensional world fraught with tension, lawlessness, and fleeting justice. The subtle nuances of the characters add depth and context to this seedy world of the wild west, and the audience is allowed to see their internal struggles against the backdrop of the external forces ruling their lives.

Director Timothy Woodward Jr. has successfully constructed a believable world inhabited by outlaws, lawmen, drunkards, gamblers, and corrupt businessmen of the post-civil war era. He has remarkably captured the rugged locales, dusty streets, and dilapidated wooden structures of the era, which adds a sense of authenticity and immediacy to the narrative. The director’s careful attention to period details and the cinematography gives the movie a visually arresting look that pulls viewers into the narrative and amps up the atmospheric tension that permeates throughout the film.

Helping to further establish this tension is the film's well-produced and fittingly intense soundtrack by Andrew Joslyn. The score, combined with the sequencing of events, provides a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from suspense, relief, fear, triumph, and regret.

However, the real highlight of Hickok is the thrilling, fast-paced shootouts. The film strikes a perfect balance between action and narrative, making Hickok not only a wild west action film but also a character-driven drama with depth and complexity. The audience is tantalized with a mix of intense gunfights, political skulduggery, private feuds, deception, and the struggle for justice.

Moreover, at its heart, Hickok is a morality tale of man against the world and himself. It demonstrates the struggle of a man trying to reconcile his violent past with his desire for a peaceful future. It's a challenging journey, laid with personal demons and worldly foes. The script offers insightful looks into Hickok's character: a man whose reputation often outstripped his reality, and who had to constantly grapple with the gulf between the two.

While Hickok packs plenty of old-fashioned western action, it also offers a more complicated and nuanced portrait of one of the wild west's most enigmatic figures. For lovers of Westerns or fans of Hemsworth, the film offers a thoroughly entertaining experience that balances shoot-outs and tense stand-offs with an emotionally rich narrative.