Just as he did with The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada and The Sunset Limited, Oscar winner Tommy Lee Jones takes on a variety of different duties with The Homesman. Based on the novel by Glendon Swarthout, Jones co-wrote, co-produced and directed the movie, and he also stars in it as George Briggs, a claim jumper who makes the acquaintance of the un-married, middle-aged Mary Bee Cuddy (Hillary Swank).
The movie takes place back in the 1850s, as Mary is escorting three women who show signs of insanity across the country. Realizing that she can’t transport these women on her own, she invites George along for the extra protection. Together, they make the oddest of couples as their journey proves to be very long and dangerous. However, it also turns out to be very transformative for them both.
On the surface, The Homesman looks like a western, but it’s really a look at a part of American history that we haven’t paid much attention to over the years, and it proves to be absolutely fascinating.
Both Jones and Swank made this clear while at the film’s recent press day, which was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills California. While there, I landed an exclusive interview with the two actors and they spoke with me about the research they did for their roles, how they got the financing together for the film, how Swank’s family helped with her performance and more.
Check out what Tommy Lee Jones and Hilary Swank have to say in the video above and be sure to catch The Homesman as it’s now playing in theatres!
