Painted Woman (2017)
Adapted from prolific western novelist Dusty Richard’s “Mustanger and the Lady,” 'Painted Woman' is the story of Julie Richards Julie is a woman of her time, passed from hand to hand in a web of abuse and prostitution, landing her at the feet of Kyle Allison. Allison, a wealthy powerbroker of the old west town of Goldfield, took young Julie into his home and made her his trophy. This life came with the gift of being taken care of and the cost of more abuse. As Julie’s time with Allison is coming to a dangerous close, Julie is given two chances of escape, with two very different men… The story of PAINTED WOMAN is two distinct chapters in Julie's life, with each chapter mirroring the other. Chapter one follows Julie meeting Frank. It is told mostly at night in the town of Goldfield. Chapter two follows the Mustanger. It takes place in the wilderness and is told mostly during the day.
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Awesome Movie
As Good As It Gets
This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.
As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.
Howdy, y'all! This film showed us to never hang our heads down, but that COURAGE is being scared to death and saddling up anyways! This is a beautifully told story of a woman always being kicked when she's down and finding strength in the most unlikely of places. The cinematography is stunning and the locations take you back in time. I tip my hat to the crew, they delivered!
I was so fortunate to have caught this at the last showing in my town, which just so happens to be Fort Smith, Arkansas. In a town that birthed out stories like True Grit, and sees multiple films done in the area regularly, we get a little uppity about our westerns here and we are notoriously a tough crowd for them. This film did not disappoint! My friend and I both were amazed at how well this film was produced and the acting was incredible. If it would not have been the last showing that evening before it was moved to another theatre, I would have gone back to see it again the next day, likely with a very large party of people dragged along. Its that good. It will be added to my collection the minute it goes up for sale and in my opinion, is right up there with many movies that were on ten times it's budget. It has that haunted quality that puts it in my top five fave westerns of all time. Highly recommend!
This Western includes the best of both an action movie and an art film, with a good measure of humor and suspense incorporated as well. The story of Julie is gripping, and the care you have for her journey remains with you until the end. The characters are well developed, and the cinematography is unique for a modern day film. There's a great deal of symbolism for those who enjoy looking for it, while the overall feel of a Western remains intact for those who seek the best parts of that genre.
I cried, I laughed, I was surprised and my heart screamed YES! in support of the heroine. What more could you want from a movie? How about gorgeous cinematography, a fabulous cast/crew and Director, and a script that gives you a great story with believable characters and a challenging and timely topic. Wrap it all in a Western with detailed authenticity and you get this fantastic film. I saw it twice and enjoyed it even more the second time. This sometimes gritty, sometimes soft and subtle film is one I will revisit again for sure. I anticipate seeing more female empowerment Westerns who will take their cues from Painted Woman in the future. Great film!