Film & TV

DVD Review: Jane Got a Gun

Set in New Mexico Territory, 1871, a woman turns to her jilted ex-fiance for help when her husband arrives home shot and the outlaw gang comes for her.

It has taken almost 3 years for this film to get released, made back in 2013 after a merry-go-round of replacing various cast and crew, including the Director and some lead actors. With more strife off screen than on, the result is that there’s not much to like or dislike about Jane Got a Gun. It just is.

Jane Got a Gun is a picturesque western that most will probably enjoy but few will ever talk about. It’s biggest disappointment is seeing such a noteable cast blend so meaninglessly into the dry, desert backdrop of New Mexico Territory, circa 1871.

janegotagunDVDNatalie Portman stars as Jane and the film opens with the arrival home of her husband, Bill, shot and crippled by the outlawed Bishop Boys. Learning that they’re coming for her next, Jane is forced to turn to the only man in town who can help her – a jilted ex-fiance (Joel Edgerton) who still holds a grudge. With remorseless gang leader John Bishop (Ewan McGregor) out for blood, the story flashes back to 5 years earlier where we learn how each of the players tie into each other and see the makings of the love triangle now being played out between Jane and the two men in her life.

Despite the explosive showdown between good and bad, then tension remains steadfast throughout the film, with the plot trapped by its desire to be a love story more than anything else. Gavin O’Connor’s direction lacks enthusiasm while the screenplay by Brian Duffield, Anthony Tambakis, and Joel Edgerton, based on a story by Brian Duffield, seems to fight it’s romantic urges to be a classic western. This conflict means it fails to succeed greatly in either genre.

That’s not to say Jane Got a Gun is not enjoyable. If you’ve used the term “it’s a watch”, then you’ll know exactly where this film sits. You know where it will end but the predictable path it takes is far from tedious, so long as you don’t expect any twists or moments of great excitement. It’s greatest selling point is it’s cast, who all do an acceptable job as they walk you through the drama.

Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet

Rating out of 10:  5

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