Meek`s Cutoff takes place during the early days of the westward migration on the Oregon Trail around 1845. Meek`s Cutoff is a story of three wagon teams of families making the journey West, but hiring an "experienced" mountain man - Stephen Meek. As it turns out, Meeks` claim of being an experience mountain man who knows of a short cut to get these three families West puts them in danger of hunger, thirst, and an erosion of faith. As time goes on they cross paths with a Native American, who they capture. The story is interesting because it places these three families in a situation of who to trust; an unreliable guide, or a man these emigrants deem as their natural enemy.
I enjoyed the rugged and untamed scenery of the West, which provided the tension and practical problems these families had to face. Wordrob and props seem to be very authentic, especially the period musket. Also well done was the acting of the main chacters; Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton, and Rod Rondeaux as The Cayuse.
Unfortunately I found Meek`s Cutoff to be very slow paced. Also of concern of mine was the ending. Meeks`s Cutoff cannot be accused of exploiting the basic Hollywood ending, but the ending just kind-of left us hanging. I am sure that was Director Kelly Reichardts` intent, but it just did not work for me. As for the film overall, Meek`s Cutoff is not making my list of favorite films.
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