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Bone Tomahawk

  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • 2h 12m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
133K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
651
45
Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, and Patrick Wilson in Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Trailer for Bone Tomahawk
Play trailer2:36
3 Videos
99+ Photos
Period DramaDramaHorrorWestern

In the Old West, a small-town sheriff and his rag-tag posse set out to rescue several townspeople from a brutal cave-dwelling, cannibalistic Indian tribe.In the Old West, a small-town sheriff and his rag-tag posse set out to rescue several townspeople from a brutal cave-dwelling, cannibalistic Indian tribe.In the Old West, a small-town sheriff and his rag-tag posse set out to rescue several townspeople from a brutal cave-dwelling, cannibalistic Indian tribe.

  • Director
    • S. Craig Zahler
  • Writer
    • S. Craig Zahler
  • Stars
    • Kurt Russell
    • Patrick Wilson
    • Matthew Fox
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    133K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    651
    45
    • Director
      • S. Craig Zahler
    • Writer
      • S. Craig Zahler
    • Stars
      • Kurt Russell
      • Patrick Wilson
      • Matthew Fox
    • 690User reviews
    • 301Critic reviews
    • 72Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 9 wins & 20 nominations total

    Videos3

    Bone Tomahawk
    Trailer 2:36
    Bone Tomahawk
    Bone Tomahawk Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:37
    Bone Tomahawk Official Trailer
    Bone Tomahawk Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:37
    Bone Tomahawk Official Trailer
    Let's Talk
    Clip 0:55
    Let's Talk

    Photos226

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    Top cast35

    Edit
    Kurt Russell
    Kurt Russell
    • Sheriff Hunt
    Patrick Wilson
    Patrick Wilson
    • Arthur
    Matthew Fox
    Matthew Fox
    • Brooder
    Richard Jenkins
    Richard Jenkins
    • Chicory
    Lili Simmons
    Lili Simmons
    • Samantha
    Evan Jonigkeit
    Evan Jonigkeit
    • Deputy Nick
    David Arquette
    David Arquette
    • Purvis
    Fred Melamed
    Fred Melamed
    • Clarence
    Sid Haig
    Sid Haig
    • Buddy
    Maestro Harrell
    Maestro Harrell
    • Gizzard
    James Tolkan
    James Tolkan
    • Pianist
    Kathryn Morris
    Kathryn Morris
    • Lorna Hunt
    Zahn McClarnon
    Zahn McClarnon
    • The Professor
    Michael Emery
    Michael Emery
    • Redheaded Fellow
    Jeremy Tardy
    Jeremy Tardy
    • Buford
    Michael Paré
    Michael Paré
    • Mr. Wallington
    • (as Michael Pare)
    Sean Young
    Sean Young
    • Mrs. Porter
    Jamison Newlander
    Jamison Newlander
    • The Mayor
    • Director
      • S. Craig Zahler
    • Writer
      • S. Craig Zahler
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews690

    7.1133.1K
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    Featured reviews

    7SnoopyStyle

    slower horror western with brutal violence

    Purvis (David Arquette) and Buddy (Sid Haig) are bandits killing and robbing in the old west. They stumble upon a native site and Buddy is killed by a warrior. Purvis escapes to the town of Bright Hope. Sheriff Franklin Hunt (Kurt Russell) confronts and wounds him. The town is attacked in the dead of night and people go missing. The locals suspect a clan of cannibalistic native cave-dwellers. Hunt leads John Brooder (Matthew Fox), hobbled Arthur O'Dwyer (Patrick Wilson) looking for his taken wife Samantha (Lili Simmons), and deputy Chicory (Richard Jenkins) as a posse of four.

    The start is a very intriguing horror western. Then it turns into a slower paced affair. The intensity is lowered but it maintains the interest. The characters are good played by compelling actors. There are some brutal violence although sometimes the camera cuts before the coup de gras. With some of the crazy violence, it's weird that the film does the old fashion look-away. The last act is unforgettable.
    8reelreviewsandrecommendations

    The Wild Wild West

    In the old American West, a bandit unwittingly leads a troupe of cave-dwelling cannibals to the town of Bright Hope. There, the troglodytes wreak havoc and kidnap a woman. A rescue party is quickly formed, consisting of Bright Hope's aging Sheriff, his aged Deputy, a cocky gunslinger and the kidnappee's husband. Warned of the savages' infamous reputation- and having to contend with the husband's broken leg- the four set out; though their journey proves to be far more dangerous than anyone expected.

    Written and directed by S. Craig Zahler, 'Bone Tomahawk' is a brilliant, bloody film that you'd be hard pressed to forget. The story is presented in a typical western style, though is completely original in terms of content and tone. Part-western, part-horror, Zahler's screenplay is full of pulpy, Tarantinoesque dialogue and his characterization is rich. He successfully balances moments of tense violence, introspective quietude and humor in a way that reminds one of Takeshi Kitano. At times playing like a bizarre mixture of 'The Searchers' and 'The Hills Have Eyes,' 'Bone Tomahawk' has a lot to offer.

    Lovely visuals, for one. Cinematographer Benji Bakshi's work is assured and epic in scale. Utilizing a variety of wide-angled lenses, he captures the grandeur of the American landscape in a way evocative of John Ford. In moments of action, Bakshi's intuitive Steadicam operation ensures the violence hits as heavy as possible. Additionally, Freddy Naff's production design is highly detailed and textured, lending locations a feeling of authenticity. The striking work of costume designer Chantal Filson also doesn't go unnoticed, contributing greatly to the film's overall visual aesthetic.

    In addition to its lush visuals, 'Bone Tomahawk' boasts a fine score from Zahler and Jeff Harriott that is atmospheric and- at times- deeply unsettling. The tracks 'In The Defile' and 'Dragged Along A Course Road' are particularly memorable, and used to great effect, bolstering the ominousness of the villains of the piece. The work of Greg D'Auria and Fred Raskin must also be mentioned, as their tight editing keeps the film from dragging- quite a feat, considering the run time of 132 minutes.

    'Bone Tomahawk' finds Kurt Russell headlining as Sherriff Franklin Hunt. Always a commanding presence on screen, Russell plays Hunt as a straightforward fellow wearily dedicated to seeing justice done; a kind of bitter Gary Cooper. Russell shows a great subtlety of style, giving a multifaceted performance that ranks alongside his best. Patrick Wilson co-stars as the husband of the kidnapped woman, the 'straight man' of the bunch, if you will. Though less colorful, Wilson makes the chap engaging, and he has our sympathies throughout.

    Matthew Fox plays the gunslinger Brooder- a slick chap fond of blowing his own trumpet- and is marvelous; clearly reveling in the chance to play such a cad. Alongside them, Richard Jenkins delivers a masterclass in comedic acting as Deputy Chicory, all but stealing the film with his good-natured buffoonery. Jenkins, in his inimitable, understated way, makes the character well-rounded and engaging- lending credo to the notion that he is one of his generation's most underappreciated actors.

    To cut a long story short, 'Bone Tomahawk' will have you gripped from start to finish. S. Craig Zahler's screenplay is full of unexpected moments, his characterization is strong and his direction is deft. With alluring cinematography and a fine score- as well as commendable performances from all in the cast- this is one you don't want to miss. As a western and as a horror, 'Bone Tomahawk' is frighteningly good.
    9SpoilerAlertReviews

    The most disturbing western I have ever seen...

    An impressive directorial debut from writer S. Craig Zahler, who also wrote this gruesome, filthy western of how wild the west can really get. More so impressive that the whole film was shot in just 21 days.

    An outlaw drifter wanders into the town of Bright Hope unknowingly leading a tribe of savage, inbred, natives better known as Troglodytes which translates as Cave-dweller." During the night, these horrific abominations murder and kidnap some of the town folk, one being the wife of a crippled rancher, who then embarks on a rescue mission with the town sheriff, his old and incapable deputy and an over confident gunslinger.

    Kurt Russell heads up the rescue posse as Sheriff Hunt, slipping comfortably into his western boots. Richard Jenkins plays his ageing deputy, Patrick Wilson the limping, desperate rancher and an impressive Matthew Fox who stole the screen, as the charismatic, narcissistic know-it- all who both annoying yet strangely likable, reminding me a little of Val Kilmer's Doc Holliday in Tombstone.

    There's an air of mystery for the majority of the film, keeping the audience on tender hooks waiting to see what's in store for the rescue party. Are the kidnapped still alive? Dead? Or worse? While some elements are left to your imagination, you can only think of the worse, but what isn't, is nothing short of disturbing.

    The gory violence is shocking to watch, even just hearing the graphic noises is enough. The sound is gruesome, bloody and unsettling. The climatic end was actually painful to watch, scarring the memory making me shudder just at the thought of it. The lack of a score only intensifies the haunting atmosphere.

    Something has to be said for the special effects, make-up and the sound engineering that were all completely on point. I've never seen a more gory western, even more so than The Hateful Eight. The makeup and effects throughout are amazing but they really go beyond during the epic climax.

    There's been a few disturbing films this year, visually, Neon Demon and imagination wise, Nocturnal Animals springing to mind but this one really made me wrench covering my mouth with both hands. It's like those good horrors you're too scared to watch but find yourself mesmerised to the screen regardless. This is certainly not one for the weak stomached. Kudos to director Zahler for created a stunning western with a difference, becoming borderline horror.

    Running Time: 7 The Cast: 9 Performance: 8 Direction: 8 Story: 9 Script: 7 Creativity: 9 Soundtrack: 9 Job Description: 10 The Extra Bonus Points: 10 for the sound and graphic quality.

    86% 9/10
    9hammit

    A fresh, original blend of genres that results in a new cult classic!

    This film is a great example of what Hollywood is sorely lacking these days: Originality! Like other reviewers have mentioned, this is slow burning western/horror flick that keeps building the suspense until the finale. It's not an edge-of-your-seat thriller that is loaded with action, but it has enough to keep your interest. It has more of a typical western feel to it in terms of character development. The dialogue is spot on for this genre. The acting is superb and plot is genuine. I think that it speaks volumes about the script given the fact that the actors signed on for minimum pay (that means they WANTED to be in this film for the script and plot). The gore is definitely there for the horror fans, although I would say that if you are seeking a lot of gore, you may be disappointed. It does have some that is pretty graphic. I definitely would not let children or even some teenagers watch this, its an adult movie. If you are a fan of westerns, I think you'll like it a lot. If you are a Kurt Russell fan, you will not be disappointed (this was his first western since Tombstone). Patrick Wilson and Matthew Fox make an excellent supporting cast and demonstrate their acting skills well. This is a new cult classic!
    Red_Identity

    Very well-made, very intriguing western/horror film.

    I expected some sort of comedy-horror/western hybrid, but what I mostly got was a serious western with noticeable horror touches thrown in (until its third act, where the horror becomes even more prominent). I was surprised at how seriously the film took itself, which I now think is a strength. It could have been so easy to just make it yet another goofy horror/comedy, but what we got instead is a very restrained, very well-made, sort of classic adventure story. The directing is on point and there's a great control over the tone of the film. The decision to have so much of the film silent and without any noticeable score was a great decision. The cast is aces and the three real supporting players (Fox, Russell, Jenkins) all get their time to shine without anything being forced.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Shot in 21 days.
    • Goofs
      David Arquette's teeth go back and forth from rotten and black to normal and white.
    • Quotes

      Sheriff Franklin Hunt: Say goodbye to my wife. I'll say hello to yours.

    • Connections
      Featured in Evening Urgant: Alexander Oleshko (2015)
    • Soundtracks
      Four Doomed Men Ride Out
      Written by Jeff Herriott & S. Craig Zahler

      Performed by Haley-Marie Asher, Eleanor Barsch, Chir Dozoryst, Frank Hanson, Jeff Herriott, Kelly Jarvis, Brian Leeper, Elizabeth Marvitz, Brad Townsend & Benjamin Whitcomb

      Published by Twilight Riders LLC

      Courtesy of Twilight Riders LLC

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    FAQ20

    • How long is Bone Tomahawk?Powered by Alexa
    • What happened with Arthur's leg? It was implied they would amputate it, even going as far as breaking the bone with a hammer.

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 19, 2016 (United Kingdom)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Кістяний томагавк
    • Filming locations
      • Paramount Ranch - 2813 Cornell Road, Agoura, California, USA(Western town and open landscape areas)
    • Production companies
      • Caliber Media Company
      • Platinum Platypus
      • Realmbuilders Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $1,800,000 (estimated)
    • Gross worldwide
      • $382,579
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 12 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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