With a title such as Promised Land you would not be surprised
to find biblical references in Gus Van Sant’s latest film and they are there.
However, the film has more in common with Springsteen’s Promised Land (here
referenced by a mass karaoke session) and the singer’s consistent effort to
highlight the plight of working America.
Promised Land, like Springsteen, wears its politics on its sleeve and social justice
is at the heart of what writers and stars Matt Damon and John Krasinski have
achieved. And they achieve it well with a film that may not be subtle but makes
its point and does so while managing to mostly feel well balanced. A skill not
to be underestimated.
More than anything Promised Land comes across as being incredibly
well researched. The fact that it is well researched means its characters feel
real and relatable, with the exception of a few mistimed third act moves. We
leave feeling that we understand a little more about fracking and natural gas
and this may have well been the intention; an educational piece of mass
entertainment and it is easy to imagine that all involved will feel they’ve
done their job if audiences (especially in mid America) understand a little
more about a very current issue. And for this Promised Land is to be congratulated and seen.
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