The Searchers houses one of the most famous (and dramatic) camera movements in cinema history, a swift dolly-in on John Wayne’s evil-eyed examination of young women ravaged by the Comanche. At its best, The Homesman adds credence to the Duke’s towering look of disgust. Tommy Lee Jones directs and co-scripts this bleak western account of a horse-faced spinster (Hilary Swank) and the base drifter (Tommy Lee Jones) she claims ownership of to assist in her carting a trio of shell-shocked women on a cross-country journey to an Iowa insane asylum. One expects impeccable acting, but it’s production designer Merideth Boswell and her attention to detail — love the flecks of straw in the mortar — that gives the eye reason to wander the frame. Jones provides juicy supporting roles for several of his acting pals, including James Spader, whose tardy emergence as the well-heeled proprietor of a remote hotel pushes the proceedings past the point of no return. With Tim Blake Nelson and Meryl Streep. (2014) — Scott Marks
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