Rockhound and Leb in the Frozen North.

Rating: Null/10 (15 October 1999)

Well, this film is over rated, from what I can see, but it IS well acted, atmospheric, bloody in places. A fine character study, especially by William Macy and Frances McDormand. I think both deserved Oscars. You really do believe McDormand-to a point, and feel for Macy as his world crashes down on top of him.
Personally what I liked best was seeing Rockhound and Leb from Armageddon in an earlier film, Buscemi is a scream and a very talented one too no matter what he tries. Enjoyed seeing Leb too, although he had maybe 7 words in the whole film. He is a Brutal spud in this isn't he.
Couple questions: what happened to Macy's wife-was she killed or what? We don't get to see her after a couple scenes in the 'hide out', maybe she was wood chipped....
And two-why was this such a big deal? Good film yes, but-an Oscar contender? Somehow I don't think so. If you want to see a well acted, lower budget film from 1996, set in an out of the way part of the land, with some realistic characters...Might I suggest you try LoneStar, by John Sayles. That was Oscar material. This-good but not great.
*** outta ****, pretty good but hardly Lonestar.