Tommy Lee Jones Takes Director’s Chair for ‘The Homesman’

Greg Vellante

Many people know Tommy Lee Jones the actor. Not many people know Tommy Lee Jones the director. Since his debut with the TV movie “The Good Old Boys” back in 1995, he has directed one main feature entitled “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” in 2005. He has also directed the HBO movie adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s play “The Sunset Limited.” Jones has also starred in all these films, proving he has what it takes to shine both behind the camera and in front of it.

With “The Homesman,” Jones’ fourth feature as a director, the situation isn’t much different. There appears to be a strong Western theme and influence present in Jones’ other films, as this story follows a claim jumper (Jones) and a pioneer woman (Hilary Swank) who are transporting three insane women from Nebraska to Iowa. The Texas-born-and-raised Jones tackles the atmosphere and tone of the West just perfectly.

Meanwhile, the film could be setting itself up for an awards run. It was already a nominee for the extremely prestigious Palme d’Or at the most recent Cannes Film Festival. With the lead performances by Jones and Swank, no strangers to acting awards, The Homesman could be a strong contender in various categories, both for the film and its performances. Audiences will just have to wait and see.

‘The Homesman” opens in limited release on Nov. 14.