The tug of war between between owners of distribution and those involved in creation of a product is never more evident with film The Highwaymen (2019) Starring Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson,
Viewers would a expect a film with quality performances by the Leads mentioned above. Viewers could also expect The Highwaymen would be good given it is directed by Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, The Alamo) with a screenplay by John Fusco (Young Guns, Hildago), Cinematography by John Schwartzman (Pearl Harbor, Armageddon), and a music score by Thomas Newman (14 AAN to his credit).
With the above mentioned people involved surely viewers would expect The Highwaymen would appear in movie theaters across America. Do not call me Shirley, and these viewers would be wrong.
Well, in today’s America this film does not make it to general distribution in the corporate controlled theaters whom are likely showing the 847th variation of films promoting a Marvel Licensed Character.
Luckily for some of us, Netflix bought the distribution rights to The Highwaymen. Subscribers of Netflix get to see a film in their home that is worthy of a screening in a facility larger than their home can present.
The Highwaymen is the story of stopping villain\populist heroes Bonnie & Clyde from the vantage point of people representing the law and general population.
America in 1932-34 23.4% of the population is unemployed – let alone under-employed. The Rich are talking about the troubles of America at cocktail-parties. The good deal of the rest of the people are living in makeshift camps after losing their homes.
During this period, Bonnie and Clyde grab Headlines. Some of the media presents them as Robinhood’s taking from the Rich and giving to the Poor. The reality is nothing close. Bonnie and Clyde kill everyday people – mostly small store owners – and police for any denomination of U.S. Currency.
Texas Rangers Frank Hammer and Maney Gault are retained to track Bonnie and Clyde down and bring them to justice; whatever that may be. Their hypothesis turns out to be correct, when others think otherwise.
The Highwaymen is an enjoyable film worthy of a viewing.
