Interesting...with long stretches of "nothing"

Rating: 7/10 (5 February 2018)

One of the reasons that I seek out the films that are nominated in the major Oscar categories, is that it drives me to see films that I, otherwise, probably would not be seeking out.
Such is the case with MUDBOUND, not because it is not a film I'm interested in, it is because it is a NETFLIX film that had a short theatrical run to qualify for the Oscars. With all the films that are available to stream on Netflix, I'm afraid MUDBOUND has gotten lost in the shuffle. I am glad, then, that the OSCAR nomination for Mary J. Blige (Best Supporting Actress) brought this film to the top of my Netflix queue - for it is worthwhile to see.
Based on the novel by Hillary Jordan, MUDBOUND follows two sets of sharecropping families (one white, one black) in Mississippi in the 1940's. This film follows their trials and tribulations through weather disasters, illness and injury. When World War II starts, 1 male from each family goes off to fight as brothers-in-arms, when they return, enlightened, they encounter a still unenlightened Mississippi.
Directed by Dee Rees from a screenplay written by her and Virgil Williams, this film is earnest in it's intentions, beautifully shot, well acted and doesn't flinch in the face of violence and racism that is depicted. There are long, lovely shots and long, well acted scenes with long stretches of silence as the characters take in what is going on around them.
Did I mention that this film is long? Clocking in at 134 minutes, it certainly shouldn't feel long, but it feels much, much longer than it's running time. And that's the trouble. Watching it on Netflix, I frequently found myself distracted by things around me (my phone, my kids, the laundry, getting a snack, shuffling in my chair) all signs of non-attention (read: boredom) on my part. I think if I was in a movie theater I would have forced myself to be more attentive to the stretches of long scenes where nothing really happens.
And that's too bad, for there is a fine (important) story and some really good acting going on in this film. Garret Hedlund and Jason Mitchell were terrific as the two young men who go off to war and then come back to Mississippi. Both have demons to conquer and obstacles to overcome - and they portray it well. Jason Clarke, Carey Mulligan, Jonathan Banks and Rob Morgan were all strong as well. And then there is the Oscar nominated turn by Mary J. Blige. She exudes quiet dignity as the matriarch of the African-American family and (as I said) her nomination was what drew me to this film - which is good. But...I kept waiting for the "Academy Award" scene by her and it just wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, she is VERY good in this film...but Academy Award worthy? I just don't see it.
If you get a chance, I would encourage you to see MUDBOUND, just barricade yourself away from distractions, you're going to need it.
Letter Grade: B
7 (out of 10) stars and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)