Jeff Nichols is set to return to the director's chair this week with his latest film Midnight Special, which sees him reunite with actor Michael Shannon.
Shotgun Stories
As well as being in the director's chair, Nichols has also penned the film's screenplay. He really is one of the most exciting directors around and I can't wait to see what he delivers with his latest project.
To celebrate the release of the film, we look back at Nichols' career so far... and today, it is his debut Shotgun Stories that is in the spotlight.
It was back in 2008 when Shotgun Stories hit the big screen and announced Nichols as a filmmaker to watch out for. His writing skills were also on show with this debut as he teamed up with Shannon for the first time; this would be the first of three collaborations between the director and the actor.
Shotgun Stories tracks a feud that erupts between two sets of half-brothers following the death of their father. Set against the cotton fields and back roads of Southeast Arkansas, these brothers discover the lengths to which each will go to protect their family.
Shotgun Stories was one of the best directorial debuts of that year as everyone immediately sat up and took note of this new writer and director. Of course, we have seen many revenge movies over the years, but there is a depth to Shotgun Stories that draws you in and captivates you from start to finish.
Nichols has created a deliberately slow pace as he cranks up the ill-feeling between the family with each scene... before he explodes into a shattering rage.
There is something raw and real about Shotgun Stories and the central characters. This is a realistic and devastating look at a family torn apart and the violence that breaks out as a result. Nichols keeps the story and the characters grounded in reality from start to finish and this helps pack an even greater emotional punch.
Michael Shannon is one of the most underrated actors around and yet, Shotgun Stories is just one of the movies where his talent has shone brightly in recent years. This may be a slow burner of a film, but it is Shannon's ability to keep you hooked from start to finish. The emotions that he brings to this character really are second to none.
The collaboration between Shannon and Nichols has been a great one and the duo have gone on to work together since in Take Shelter and Midnight Special - they seem to truly bring the best out of each other.
Shotgun Stories played well on the festival circuit and was met with critical acclaim upon release. While it was not big financial success, Shotgun Stories is a terrific watch that helped establish Nichols as an exciting writing and directing talent. His career has only gone one way... and that is up.
Midnight Special is released 8th April.
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