Mud (2012)

Two young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

Director:

Jeff Nichols

Writer:

Jeff Nichols

Stars:

Matthew McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland

11 wins & 34 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Matthew McConaughey	...	Mud
Reese Witherspoon	...	Juniper
Tye Sheridan	...	Ellis
Jacob Lofland	...	Neckbone
Sam Shepard	...	Tom
Ray McKinnon	...	Senior
Sarah Paulson	...	Mary Lee
Michael Shannon	...	Galen
Joe Don Baker	...	King
Paul Sparks	...	Carver
Bonnie Sturdivant	...	May Pearl
Stuart Greer	...	Miller
John Ward Jr.	...	Galen's Helper
Kristy Barrington	...	Princess
Johnny Cheek	...	Kyle

Storyline

14 year-old Ellis (Tye Sheridan) lives on a makeshift houseboat on the banks of a river in Arkansas with his parents, Mary Lee (Sarah Paulson) and Senior (Ray McKinnon). He sneaks out early one morning to meet his best friend, Neckbone (Jacob Lofland). Neckbone, also 14, lives with his uncle, Galen (Michael Shannon), who makes a hardscrabble living diving for oysters. The two boys set out to an island on the Mississippi River, where Neckbone has discovered an unusual sight-a boat, suspended high in the trees, a remnant of an extreme flood some time in the past. They climb the tree and into the boat only to find fresh bread and fresh footprints. Realizing that they are not the only ones who have discovered the treehouse boat, they decide to leave. When they reach the shore, they find the same footprint in their boat. And that's when they meet Mud (Matthew McConaughey). Mud is a gritty, superstitious character; his clothes are dirty, his tooth is cracked, and he needs help. He tells the...

---

Plot Keywords:

boat | boy | river | 14 year old | bounty hunter | 

---

Genres:

Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some violence, sexual references, language, thematic elements and smoking

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 May 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Mud - Kein Ausweg

Filming Locations:

Crocketts Bluff, Arkansas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$2,215,460 (USA) (26 April 2013)

Gross:

$21,589,307 (USA) (6 September 2013)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lionsgate, Everest Entertainment, Brace Cove Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Prior to shooting, writer/director Jeff Nichols described the film as Sam Peckinpah directing a short story by Mark Twain.

---

Goofs

When Ellis confronts Mud on the beach and then runs off, the left leg of his jeans are covered in mud. In the very next scene his pants are clean.

---

Quotes

Neckbone: I knew it. I told you that dirty son of a bitch was trouble. Did you tell them where he is?
Ellis: No, that's why I called you. He needs to know people are looking for him.
Neckbone: You think he doesn't know that already? Jesus, Ellis! Why do you even think he's on that island?
Neckbone: Ellis, I'm serious! We don't know who this guy is.
Ellis: He loves her, Neck. He told me.
Neckbone: I don't give a shit who he loves!

---

Crazy Credits

Everest Entertainment donates a portion of its profits from each film to charity. By watching an Everest film you have made a difference. We thank you.

---

Connections

Featured in Great MoVie Mistakes (2013)

---

Soundtracks

May Pearl
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by Jeff McIlwain

User Reviews

The best movie so far for 2013

I went into "Mud" with no idea of what it was about. I immediately had flashbacks to "Stand By Me". That said, I think "Mud" is a better movie. I thought the acting was exceptional, the photography both real and lush, the lighting well done, and the story was fresh, real, and terrific. The direction MUST have been terrific also, as the result is a near-perfect film that everyone can and should enjoy.

The 2 young actors (playing the characters of Ellis and Neckbone) were amazing -- especially Tye Sheridan playing the lead character, Ellis. Sam Shepherd was great as Ellis' "assassin" neighbor (and longtime friend of Mud), the actor who played Ellis' dad was TERRIFIC and stole every scene he was in. Reese Witherspoon was only on film for perhaps 10 minutes but she was perfect as Mud's white-trash girlfriend. And this was Matthew McConaughey's best job EVER. (Until now only his role in The Lincoln Lawyer was good to my mind, and I was tired of his constant good-old-pretty-boy act in everything else!) I hope it was not made too early to get consideration for the Academy Awards next year. Although it's a lowish-budget independent film, "Mud" is sure to become a classic! I saw it the other night with my wife... and I plan to see it again soon with my teenage son.