‘Hell or High Water’ Proves Taylor Sheridan Should Return to Movies

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Over the last ten years, Taylor Sheridan has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, demonstrating exceptional storytelling abilities through numerous critically acclaimed TV series and movies he’s been involved with. The creator of “Yellowstone” is one of the most renowned and talented visionaries on television, captivating audiences globally with compelling shows such as “Tulsa King,” “Mayor of Kingstown,” and the popular series starring Kevin Costner.

Though viewers might recognize his outstanding work in television, they might be taken aback to discover that Sheridan has also directed and written several critically acclaimed films such as Sicario, Without Remorse, and the Academy Award-nominated Western crime drama Hell or High Water, which many consider the most successful and impressive movies in his expanding portfolio. Let’s explore why the 2016 success story underscores the need for Sheridan to revisit the big screen.

A Gripping Western Crime Drama Hit

In a collaboration between renowned screenwriter Taylor Sheridan and director David Mackenzie, they brought to life the intense 2016 neo-Western crime drama titled “Hell or High Water“. This film boasts an impressive cast, including Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Gil Birmingham. The plot revolves around brothers Toby and Tanner Howard (played by Pine and Foster), who, in a desperate bid to save their cherished family farm, decide to rob a series of banks across southern Texas. Toby, a cool and composed individual, often clashes with his unpredictable ex-convict brother, Tanner, whose reckless actions add unnecessary complications to the already cash-strapped siblings’ mission.

Toby works hard to ensure a stable future for his two distant sons, as he’s eager to safeguard their homestead, which unexpectedly sits atop oil reserves that could transform their lives. However, when Tanner acts impulsively and commits a solo bank robbery, the consequences catch up with them both. This rash action draws the attention of veteran Texas Rangers Marcus Hamilton (played by Bridges) and Alberto Parker (Birmingham), leading to their pursuit. Despite being on the verge of retirement, Marcus remains determined to capture the brothers at all costs.

A Certified Silver Screen Sensation

In August 2016, Taylor Sheridan’s riveting screenplay for the film “Hell or High Water” was unveiled in cinemas, leaving audiences and critics spellbound by its intricate characters, engaging atmospheres, and compelling narrative. The Western drama garnered praise for its talented ensemble cast and pulse-pounding plot, earning it a significant success at the box office. With earnings of over $37 million on a budget of just $12 million, it became the highest-grossing independent film of the year, winning the prestigious title.

The exceptional talent of Sheridan in writing was widely recognized, as his extraordinary work in the film ‘Hell or High Water’ received universal praise from critics and viewers alike, landing him a nomination for the BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. Not only did the director, producer, and writer receive high praises, but Jeff Bridges’ captivating performance as the seasoned Texas Ranger pursuing the Howard brothers was met with immense appreciation by the audience. Additionally, Bridges’ performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor and won the award from the National Board of Review.

In simpler terms, the movie “Hell or High Water,” directed by Sheridan, is his most acclaimed work to date in his impressive career. This neo-Western film was also recognized as one of the top films of the year by the American Film Institute, demonstrating that Sheridan excels on both big and small screens. When writing the screenplay for this movie, Sheridan aimed to delve into the complexities of the characters and leave viewers torn between supporting the brothers or the law enforcement officers. In 2016, he shared with Forbes his intention behind crafting such intricate characters.

Toby and Tanner aren’t exactly paragons of virtue in my opinion. However, I believe they are guided by good intentions. I specifically think Toby is well-intentioned. He made a decision that turned out to be quite detrimental once, all so his children wouldn’t face the same predicament…I aimed to leave the audience in a state of uncertainty over their preferred outcome and who they hope will survive until the end.

Sheridan Repeatedly Showcases His Filmmaking Talents

The film “Hell or High Water” underscored the need for Taylor Sheridan to continue gracing the silver screen with his captivating narratives and exceptional cinematic vision, even though it is not his only work that has earned praise from his dedicated fan base. Sheridan kicked off his directorial journey with the 2011 horror film “Vile,” a relatively lesser-known project that he subsequently expanded upon by penning the screenplay for the 2015 action thriller “Sicario,” another critical and financial triumph that served to reinforce him as one of the most innovative figures in the entertainment industry.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve been captivated by the works of Taylor Sheridan. He steered the director’s chair for the riveting Western dramas like “Wind River,” starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, and the edge-of-your-seat thriller “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” led by Angelina Jolie. These movies, adaptations of Michael Kortya’s novel, were box office hits and garnered critical acclaim.

The mastermind behind “Yellowstone” didn’t stop there; he penned both “Sicario: Day of the Soldado” and “Without Remorse,” showcasing his unmatched talent for creating compelling narratives and intriguing characters. When discussing his approach to filmmaking, Sheridan shared with Esquire in 2017:

“When I sit down to write a script, I try to imagine what it would be like if I was watching this movie right now. What would make me feel something? What would hold my attention? And I just go from there.

I am passionate about sharing stories that resonate with me personally, and I want to present these tales in captivating ways that grab people’s attention. When it comes to storytelling techniques like exposition and structure, I plan on disregarding the conventions I’ve learned as an actor.

Stream Hell or High Water on Paramount+.

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2025-01-13 00:03