Roses Have Thoughts

Jane Got a Gun rides onto the Western landscape with grit and quiet resilience, aiming to carve out a space among modern revisionist Westerns. Directed by Gavin O’Connor, this slow-burn tale of vengeance, loyalty, and redemption brings a refreshing twist to the genre by focusing on a strong female lead, though it sometimes falls short of its ambitious intentions.

Natalie Portman stars as Jane Hammond, a woman caught between her dark past and the violent present. After her husband Bill (Noah Emmerich) returns home with bullet wounds inflicted by a vicious outlaw gang, Jane is forced to confront her history and seek the help of an ex-lover, Dan Frost (Joel Edgerton), in protecting her family. Portman brings a nuanced performance to Jane, blending vulnerability with fierce determination. Her portrayal of Jane as both a protective mother and a formidable woman resonates strongly, elevating the film above standard Western tropes.

O’Connor’s direction is one of Jane Got a Gun’s primary strengths. With cinematographer Mandy Walker, he creates a bleak, atmospheric vision of the American frontier that feels authentic and unforgiving. The film’s visuals evoke a dusty, harsh beauty, with long, lingering shots of desolate landscapes that underscore the characters’ isolation and desperation. The restrained pacing allows for moments of tension, giving the gunfights and confrontations a raw, visceral quality, even if it at times risks feeling overly subdued.

The supporting cast, particularly Joel Edgerton as the brooding Dan Frost and Ewan McGregor as the menacing villain, John Bishop, adds depth to the film’s thematic exploration of survival and loyalty. Edgerton’s performance provides an emotional counterpoint to Portman’s, creating a palpable tension as unresolved feelings are tested in the crucible of life-or-death stakes. McGregor, while slightly underutilized, manages to lend an aura of danger and unpredictability to Bishop, though his character could have benefitted from further development.

However, Jane Got a Gun is not without its flaws. The plot, while serviceable, lacks the complex narrative layers that distinguish the best Westerns. The film occasionally meanders, and some of the flashbacks feel forced, slowing down an otherwise steady pace.

Overall, Jane Got a Gun offers a compelling, character-driven Western that showcases Natalie Portman’s range and O’Connor’s stylistic direction. Though it lacks the depth to be a true genre classic, it’s a satisfying ride through familiar territory with a fresh perspective, making it a solid addition to the modern Western revival.

IMDB