Free State of Jones, the Matthew McConaughey-starring film about real-life Newton Knight, a Confederate army deserter who formed and defended a “free” community in Mississippi during the Civil War, has been one of the more anticipated films of this year. It came in at number 41 on our most anticipated list based on a strong cast, riveting story, and some great looking stills. Now the trailer has arrived, giving us our first big look at this civil war drama.
It’s lengthy, coming in at over two and a half minutes, and covers a lot of plot—damn near the whole thing, really. The trailer is another victim of Hollywood’s horrible habit of showing an entire film in less than three minutes. Adding insult to injury, the movie doesn’t look nearly as pretty as its stills which is a real letdown. Dull colors and bland cinematography combine to give Free State of Jones that god-awful made-for-TV look that I don’t believe any of us were expecting. But based on this trailer, that’s what we’re getting. While there are some rousing bits of speech, cracking gun skirmishes, and a great southern atmosphere, it seems that this inspiring story got a real uninspiring coat of paint.
Free State of Jones was directed by Gary Ross of Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, and The Hunger Games fame. Take that however you may, but such a great story with such a great lead may have looked better in someone else’s hands. However, until Free State of Jones is actually released, it’s too early to make definitive remarks.
Despite these dings, the true story the movie is based on is fascinating—a small piece of history that probably doesn’t get enough attention, until now. McConaughey plays disillusioned Confederate soldier Newton Knight who abandoned his post during the Civil War, took a group of poor souls (farmers, slaves, women, and children) and established a rebel community in Jones County, Mississippi, away from the bullshit of war. Knight’s Free State of Jones essentially seceded from the Confederate states and also became one of the first mixed-race communities in Mississippi.
Even if the movie won’t have the aesthetics we may have hoped for, there’s no doubt McConaughey will bring his A-game and turn in a fine performance settled on the foundation of a great story. That southern drawl he’s adopted (a departure from his usual Texas twang) is damn-near music. It’s also worth mentioning that Keri Russell, Mahershala Ali, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle) will be heading up the cast as well so expect great performances all around. There are still high hopes for Free State of Jones, despite the simultaneously overwhelming and underwhelming trailer, and hopefully the movie itself can become history when it gets released May 13th of this year.
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