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is the best thing I've ever been in in my life and probably ever will
be." This is how Matt Damon recently described his upcoming film, All
the Pretty Horses. A strong endorsement from a young actor who has
starred in such hit films as Good Will Hunting, Saving Private
Ryan and The Talented Mr. Ripley. What's all the fuss about?
For one, the film is based on Cormac McCarthy's phenomenally popular 1991
novel, which has captured the imagination of readers, critics and
filmmakers alike. Director Billy Bob Thornton told one reporter, "I
swore I would never direct anything I hadn't written, but this was a
gift."As well, the sweeping western drama teams Thornton and much of his Sling Blade crew with such glittering young stars as Damon, Henry Thomas and Penélope Cruz. Damon plays John Grady Cole, a young man in 1940s Texas who heads for Mexico looking for adventure with his best friend, Lacey Rawlins (Thomas), when his family's ranch is sold. During the ride south, they hook up with Jimmy Blevins (Sling Blade's Lucas Black), a volatile 15-year-old runaway. |
actors Matt Damon Henry Thomas Lucas Black Penélope Cruz Rubén Blades director location outtake |
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In Mexico, the three are hired to tame horses for a wealthy ranch owner who happens to have a beautiful daughter, Alejandra (Cruz). When John falls for Alejandra, the romance leads to violent complications. The on-screen heat between Damon and Cruz reportedly sizzled off-screen as well. The all-American Damon even taught his Spanish co-star how to bowl. Damon should be able to advise Cruz on dealing with so-called "overnight success." Damon began his career as a youngster, performing in local theater productions in his hometown of Cambridge, Mass. By the time he enrolled at Harvard University at 18, Damon had appeared in his first feature film - a one-line role in 1988's Mystic Pizza. Dropping out of Harvard just 12 credits short of an English degree, Damon landed supporting roles in several films before taking his career into his own hands. In fact, this coming-of-age western is just one of four films Damon stars in this year, and he shows no signs of slowing down. If this film is as successful as Damon predicts, All the Pretty Horses may bring him more work than he realizes. It's the first book in author McCarthy's "Border Trilogy," so can a sequel or two be far behind? - Deborah Smyth |