About Mudbound

Mudbound is a 2017 drama film directed by Dee Rees. The film is based on the 2008 novel of the same name by Hillary Jordan. Set in Mississippi during the 1940s, Mudbound follows the lives of two families, one white and one black, as they navigate racism, inequality, and the harsh realities of farm life.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Mudbound tells the intertwined stories of the McAllan and Jackson families. Henry McAllan, a white landowner, moves his family to a farm in Mississippi despite his wife's reluctance. They encounter racism and poverty in the rural south. The Jacksons, a black sharecropper family, work on the McAllan's farm and face their own struggles with discrimination and limited opportunities.

The film delves into themes of race, class, and the aftermath of war, as the characters navigate the challenges of survival in a divided society. With powerful performances and a thought-provoking narrative, Mudbound offers a poignant exploration of systemic injustice and the resilience of the human spirit.

Making / Production

Mudbound was directed by Dee Rees, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Virgil Williams. The film was produced by Cassian Elwes, Charles D. King, Kim Roth, Sally Jo Effenson, and Carl Effenson. It was shot on location in Louisiana to capture the authentic setting and atmosphere of the story.

Rees and Williams worked closely to translate the novel's complex storyline and themes onto the screen. The production team faced challenges in recreating the historical era and ensuring the film's accuracy in depicting the social dynamics of the time.

Actors

• Carey Mulligan as Laura McAllan - She portrayed the role of Henry's wife, who struggles with the isolation and hardships of farm life.
• Garrett Hedlund as Jamie McAllan - He played Henry's younger brother, a war veteran grappling with trauma and a complicated relationship with Ronsel Jackson.
• Jason Clarke as Henry McAllan - He portrayed the role of Laura's husband and a patriarch trying to navigate the racial tensions of the community.
• Jonathan Banks as Pappy McAllan - He played Henry's racist father, reflecting the ingrained prejudices of the era.
• Mary J. Blige as Florence Jackson - She portrayed Ronsel's mother and a strong-willed woman fighting against the limitations imposed by society.
• Rob Morgan as Hap Jackson - He played Florence's husband and a hardworking sharecropper determined to provide a better life for his family.
• Jason Mitchell as Ronsel Jackson - He portrayed the role of Hap and Florence's eldest son, who faces racism and brutality upon his return from World War II.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Mudbound marks Dee Rees' second feature film as a director.
• The film premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
• It received critical acclaim for its performances, screenplay, and social commentary.
• The novel Mudbound, on which the film is based, was also highly acclaimed and won the Bellwether Prize for Fiction.

Awards

Mudbound received numerous awards and nominations, including four Academy Award nominations. Mary J. Blige earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, marking her first Oscar nomination. The film also received nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Cinematography.

Quotes

• "When it feels like God is distant, remember, the teacher is always quiet during the test." - Florence Jackson
• "I got a boy coming home from overseas with more medals than you can shake a stick at, so you best have a truck full of paper." - Hap Jackson
• "I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by and being racist, and I don’t want to die surrounded by and being racist." - Jamie McAllan

Music

The musical score for Mudbound was composed by Tamar-kali. The score reflects the emotional intensity and depth of the film, capturing the struggles, hopes, and resilience of the characters.

Soundtrack

• "Shortnin' Bread" - Rhiannon Giddens
• "River" - Leon Bridges
• "One Hour Mama" - Coleman Hawkins
• "Mighty River" - Mary J. Blige
• "In the Pines" - Lalah Hathaway
• "My Baby Just Cares for Me" - Nina Simone
• "What Is Love" - The Playmates