Kevin Lazzari | Special to the Fitzhugh
Have you ever wondered if the movie you watched is based on a true story? I thought “Stillwater” was based on real events, so I decided to do a little research. It turns out the makers were inspired by the Amanda Knox story but did not follow what actually happened. I was shocked that “Stillwater” was not based on reality and was just a loose interpretation. Hollywood still amazes me by producing a movie that is gleaned from a few headlines and turning it into a blockbuster.
Matt Damon is the star by playing an unemployed oil-rig worker from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Everything about Damon makes you believe he is a rigger. If I did not know any better, I would say he must have worked on the rigs before he became an actor. Matt Damon is the kind of actor that just becomes the character he is playing. Remember his first role of the genius janitor and how he convinced audiences that he was that janitor? Let’s not forget his role as Jason Bourne and how far he took that character. He continues to impress me, and his role in “Stillwater” cemented my respect for how great he really is.
The reason I liked this film so much was the dichotomy of locations. The movie starts in Oklahoma and ends up in France. An oil rigger from the states in France makes for a great story. If you add the backstory of that rigger trying to find evidence to get his daughter off of a murder charge, you are drawn in. You can imagine the cultural differences and language barrier that he faces on a day to day basis. The film was executed so well that I had to check if the story was true or not. If you are looking for drama that will take you over the edge, “Stillwater” delivers.
Kevin Lazzari, owner of Video Stop, is reviewing movies for the Fitzhugh. “Stillwater” (2021) is available on DVD, Blu-ray and for digital streaming and download.
