White Sands [HD]

Great cast, plot twists, amazing landscapes
This film was generally overlooked upon release. Predating Lone Star and Thunderheart, this film has three amazing things going for it: (1) the cast is stellar. You get Dafoe, in a good guy role, M Emmett Walsh as a lazy coroner, Mary Elizabeth Mastronantino in an amazing lead role, Sam Jackson (how he's listed on the end credits) tearing up the scenery, Mickey Roarke in a GOOD performance, and even an uncredited thankless role. (2) the plot is much better than No Way Out. With Donaldson directing, you might think that it would just be a remake/remuddle, but the plot does keep twisting, and once you think you have it even remotely figured out, BANG something else happens. (3) the scenery is amazing. The only film that comes closer to capturing the feel of the New Mexican landscape is Backtrack, which is also very good. The widescreen adds (although it is fair to ask when it DOESN'T), so, if you were like me and didn't see this until it came out on VHS, you're in for a treat...

Highly underrated classic whodunit
A dead body, a rodeo, a schmoozy exclusive fundraiser and a nosy cop who gets into the middle of it all make for a nailbiting rollercoaster ride of a movie. Willem Dafoe, Samuel L. Jackson, & Mickey Rourke are at their best in this great story. A fantastic supporting cast is also featured. The eerie, haunting music of Patrick O'Hearn (from his "Indigo" album) provide the perfect soundtrack for this humdinger of a mystery. You never know who will do what, so hang on and enjoy the ride.

Amazing. That's all...just amazing.
Writing a review for "White Sands" is a true challenge, because based on cinematography and Patrick O'Hearn's soundtrack, this is an unquestionable 5 out of 5 stars film.

We know that eye candy and surface-level attributes don't tell the whole story. Is this still a 5-star film, based on the whole package? I believe that it is. For others, it might be "4" or "3" but this has remained a "go-to" movie for me since its release. When I want to watch something GOOD...really, really GOOD...and don't know what I'm in the mood for, "White Sands" consistently comes up on my short list.

In terms of the actors, Samuel L. Jackson, at this point of his career, is "embryonic." Willem Dafoe, as Deputy Sheriff Ray Dolezal, holds his own. You might need to enlist a degree of "suspension of disbelief" when the radiant Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio falls in love with Sheriff Ray, but hey..."suspension of disbelief" is often a prerequisite for this kind of film.

Character...

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