"The Homesman", a gem of a western

The 2014 western "The Homesman", directed by Tommy Lee Jones, was a pleasant surprise in a genre that seemed exhausted.

Starring Jones himself alongside the always convincing Hilary Swank, it tells the story of the two characters' efforts to transport three crazed women across the cruel frontier.

From its opening scene, it succeeds in immersing us in the desolate but beautiful grandeur of the American landscape of the mid-1800s, enhanced by John Seale's cinematography.

Jones' restrained but intense performance brought gravitas to her character, while Swank once again demonstrated her chameleon-like talent in a role not without nuance.

Beyond the hackneyed epic portrayal of the old west, she was able to delve into the human frailties underlying the appearances of both men and women.

This was a breath of fresh air that reminded us of the genre's capacity to move us from a less Manichean vision of history.

It was nominated for three Oscars: 3 Oscars: Best Actress for Hilary Swank, Best Original Score for Marco Beltrami and Best Art Direction for Tamara Deverell and Hilary Swank won other awards for her performance.