When the skeleton of his murdered predecessor is found, Sheriff Sam Deeds unearths many other long-buried secrets in his Texas border town.
Writing
Sayles weaves three decades into one breathing town.
Direction
Flashbacks so seamless you don't notice the transitions.
Acting
Elizabeth Peña delivers a career-best quiet devastation.
Director
John Sayles
Chris Cooper
Sam Deeds
Elizabeth Peña
Pilar Cruz
Kris Kristofferson
Charlie Wade
Clifton James
Hollis Pogue
Miriam Colon
Mercedes Cruz
Ron Canada
Otis Payne
Joe Morton
Delmore "Del" Payne
Matthew McConaughey
Buddy Deeds
Jeff Monahan
Young Hollis
Gabriel Casseus
Young Otis
Frances McDormand
Bunny
LaTanya Richardson Jackson
Priscilla Worth
Tony Plana
Ray
Jesse Borrego
Danny
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The seamless flashback transitions were achieved without CGI — just clever blocking and matching camera movements.
Sayles self-financed partially to maintain final cut, making this indie model before 'indie' was marketable.
US
