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So refreshing to see a film that is not afraid to play around with the conventional idea of linear narrative. An intriguing blend of Tarkovsky, Apocalypse Now, and Bela Tar. It made me want to follow up this director's earlier films. The attention span of many film goers seems to be shrinking fast, judging by the criticisms of the lingering shots which Juaja features. Novels, music and art installations all play with time and space, and film can do the same, in the right hands, as here. Credit to Mortensen for lending his 'name' to a project like this, and for giving such a restrained performance. The real star of Juaja is the landscape, which silently conveys the truth that wild nature will always trump human activity.

There is much to admire about The Homesman: the Mid-West setting; the historical accuracy regarding a period seldom touched on (i.e. just before most westerns are set); Hilary Swank's performance; and the questions raised about frontier society etc. But there is one massive flaw that undermines all the good stuff. Swank's character, Cuddy, is carefully constructed. She is resourceful, courageous, independent, tough, humane and strong. So how come she commits suicide, with no build-up or hint in her character that she is capable of doing such a thing, especially with her mission still incomplete? It's just a glaring inconsistency. The film never recovers from it, dissolving into a mess of Tommy Lee Jones capers.