“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” (Sony Classics)
A Modern Day Western With An Old-Time Flavor
Tommy Lee Jones directed and stars in the film “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.” This is a modern day western but one that harkens back to the classic films like “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” It is a film that takes its cue from its leading man and is raw, soft-spoken, and noble in an undefined way. This is not a film that will attract hordes of viewers but those who do watch it will be impressed with its simplicity and impact.
Jones plays Pete Perkins, a ranch hand living the simple life in a small community in the southwest section of our country. He is a man of few needs and simple traits. He is soft spoken and even tempered and is fiercely loyal to his friends. One man he does befriend is Melquiades Estrada (Julio Cedellio), a Mexican who has entered the country illegally.
One day in a rare burst of foresight Estrada makes Perkins promise that if anything happens to him he will take Estrada’s body home and have it buried in his native town in Mexico. A few days later Estrada is shot and killed. Perkins discovers it was a lawman named Mike Norton (Barry Pepper) who did the deed. He kidnaps Norton and takes him to Mexico where they will find Estrada’s hometown and bury him there.
The trek to Mexico is a brutal one with the police in pursuit of them and other problems occurring along the way. The journey also acts to create growth on Norton’s part and bravery on the part of Perkins.
There is also a side story concerning Norton’s wife (January Jones). She is a fish out of water in the small town and feels neglected by her husband. She seeks attention from another male and it turns out to be Melquiades. The lives of all these people are interconnected and each has an impact on the others.
Tommy Lee Jones is amazing in the lead role of Perkins. He gives the part a natural dignity with an innate understanding of commitment between friends. His role does not require much dialogue but he makes the character known through body language and attitude.
Pepper is also good as the much put upon Norton. His character goes through more changes than does Jones’ and Pepper makes each transition believable. The two men’s performances compliment each other and make the film entertaining and absorbing to watch.
January Jones is also good as Norton’s wife. Her role is smaller than that of the two men but she makes her impression, as does Melissa Leo as the woman in Perkins’ life. These are both supporting roles but they are very necessary to the overall effect of the film.
The film is rated R for profanity and violence.
“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” is not a film everyone will enjoy, but for those who like a character study and a bare bones adventure this movie will be more than entertaining. Tommy Lee Jones is at his best as both actor and director, and when he is in top form there is no one better.
I scored “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” a mournful 7 out of 10.
