Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western filmHell or High Wateris proof that he needs to make another movie alongside his ongoing television shows. In recent years, Taylor Sheridan has mostly been known forYellowstoneand other TV shows likeLandmanandTulsa King. WhileSheridan’s TV showsare wildly popular and extremely compelling, the writer got his start behind the camera by making feature films. His first movie was 2015’sSicario, and he went on to write five more films while he was also startingYellowstoneand its spinoff shows.
Since Sheridan has become king of prestige TV, it’s easy to forget how good he was at writing films. Of the six films he’s made, only one is under 50% with critics onRotten Tomatoes, and three are certified fresh. While it’s always great to get new seasons of shows likeLionessor new original series likeLandman, Sheridan’s talents could also be put to great use writing films again. One of his movies -Hell or High Water- proves just how much the world is missing out from Sheridan’s decision to focus on television over film.
Hell Or High Water Is A Reminder Of How Great Sheridan Is At Writing Movies
Hell Or High Water Proves Sheridan Is Great At Writing Concise & Gripping Films
There’s no better proof of just how good Taylor Sheridan was at writing movies than 2016’sHell or High Water, starring Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges.Hell or High Waterfollows brothers Tanner (Ben Foster) and Toby Howard (Pine) as they rob a series of banks while Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Bridges) nips at their heels. In an expertly-paced 102 minutes, audiences learn that Toby is robbing the banks to pay off the mortgage on his late mother’s ranch, and that he intends to give the land and its oil rights to his children to break the cycle of poverty they’ve been living in.
Hell or High Waterwas nominated for four Academy Awards in 2017: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing.
Hell or High Wateris easily one of thebest neo-Westerns ever made, and it’s because Sheridan hand crafted its story to mesh so well with the genre.Hell or High Wateris filled with societal critiques about the banking system, cycles of poverty, and more that fit perfectly with how the world has moved on from the days of cowboys and outlaws. The film is also fantastic at developing its characters naturally - in just a few minutes, all of Toby and Tanner’s years as siblings seem like common knowledge, and Hamilton’s worries about retirement seem like second nature.
Taylor Sheridan’s Writing Is Arguably Even Better In Movies Than Shows
Sheridan’s Pacing Is Arguably Better Suited To Movies Than TV Shows
Hell or High Wateris such a good example of Taylor Sheridan’s skills as a writer that it may be proof he’s even better at writing movies than he is at writing television shows. Sheridan’s shows are, of course, extremely popular for a reason. They’re all well written and crafted specifically to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and they often feature complex storylines that end up resolving beautifully. Sheridan’s movies have just as much punch, but they’re arguably better in one key area: pacing.
Sheridan’s writing works best when it’s lean, focused, and efficient, and movies lend themselves to that style better than shows do.
Most of the criticism Taylor Sheridan has received in recent years is a result of the episodic TV format more than anything else.For example, inLandman, Angela (Ali Larter) and Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) have been major sources of criticism, partially because of their slow character development. It wasn’t until theending ofLandmanepisode 6that they did anything but lounge around and drink. None of Sheridan’s movies have that same problem because he doesn’t have to stretch out any stories into a 10-hour season. Sheridan’s writing works best when it’s lean, focused, and efficient, and movies lend themselves to that style better than shows do.
Will Taylor Sheridan Ever Go Back To Writing Movies?
TV Shows Are More Profitable, But Sheridan’s Deal With Paramount Leaves The Door Open To New Movies
Every Taylor Sheridan TV Show & Movie On Paramount+
Taylor Sheridan is Paramount+’s biggest name, with numerous movies and shows available from the Yellowstone creator available on the platform.
There is, however, a caveat in Sheridan’s deal that would let him shop original movies to third party buyers, and the list ofTaylor Sheridan’s upcoming projectsreportedly would take advantage of that.Sheridan’s upcoming adaptation ofEmpire of the Summer Moonmay be his first feature film in years, once it’s completed.Since it’s so early in development, however, it’s not clear ifEmpire of the Summer Moonwill be a film or another series. If he does end up taking the show route for that project, Sheridan doesn’t have anything else (that he’s announced) lined up for the theater.
With any luck, Taylor Sheridan’s future may include another movie of the same caliber as Hell or High Water, and hopefully sooner rather than later.
Sheridan also owns and operates the 6666 ranch in real life, which was a major reason he took the deal with Paramount in the first place (viaTHR).The Four Sixes is a major expense for Sheridan, and there is a chance he could write another film separate fromEmpire of the Summer Moonto help cover those costs. If he can find the time, that is. With any luck, Taylor Sheridan’s future may include another movie of the same caliber asHell or High Water, and hopefully sooner rather than later.
Hell or High Water
Cast
Hell or High Water is a modern Western crime thriller directed by David Mackenzie. Starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster as two brothers who embark on a series of bank robberies to save their family ranch, the film delves into themes of economic hardship and justice. Jeff Bridges plays a Texas Ranger nearing retirement, determined to catch them.
