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In a Texas dusty and under a scorching sun, the intriguing universe of 'Landman' arises, the new series created by Taylor Sheridannow available on Paramount+. This drama nestled in the heart of Far West American draws inspiration from the stories collected in Boomtowna podcast that takes a closer look at the world of oil fields and its intricate links to the lives of the men and women who work there. With a quality cast, starting with the charismatic one Billy Bob Thornton'Landman' promises to take audiences on a powerful and immersive journey.
A charismatic and complex protagonist: Billy Bob Thornton
Billy Bob Thornton returns to the small screen starring Tommy Norristhe protagonist of the series. A complex character, who embodies the battered, cynical and unscrupulous hero, who juggles the problems of the world of petrolium and those of one's personal life. In an interview, Thornton explains the challenges he faced in bringing to life Norris, a man who lives under constant pressure to keep the oil empire around him healthy.
The first impact with the character was intense. In some scenes, the scorching heat made the job even more difficult, especially when the claustrophobia of wearing a hood tested his endurance. “Sometimes I thought I was going to faint. That warm feeling was overwhelming,” recalls the actor, claustrophobia that was felt during filming. Tommy Norris he is a man shaped by oil extraction, always sweaty and dirty, a symbol of a life spent solving personal and professional complexities in a hostile environment.
The interaction between Norris and his boss, played by Jon Hammoffers further food for thought on the power and control dynamics that characterize the world of oil companies. The presence of Demi Moore in the cast, as the boss's wife and advisor, she adds another layer of complexity to the industry's power relations.
Taylor Sheridan's vision and the impact of heat
Collaboration with the director and screenwriter Taylor Sheridan marked a turning point for Thornton. After a cameo in '1883,' Sheridan decided the role of Norris was tailor-made for the actor. “I felt comfortable with this character,” says Thornton, although filming wasn't easy. Dense dialogues and long monologues that required attention and memorization represented a further obstacle.
The actor made use of the presence of Christian Wallaceco-creator of the series and who made his experience available on set, so as to navigate the complexities of the text. Every line was an opportunity to make the character even more realistic and engaging. Thornton also found the world of oil fascinating, comparing it to an arduous game of poker, where billionaires can gain or lose in an instant, creating a strong contrast with the life of those who work in the fields, often ex-convicts or people who risk everything to survive.
Themes of power and vulnerability in the world of oil
'Landman' doesn't just tell the story of one man, it also delves into the power dynamics that control the oil industry and the lives of workers. Thornton reflects on the enormous pressure that billionaires place on workers, conjuring up an image of a system that supports immense wealth while often ignoring the precarious conditions of those who work in the oil fields.
This series raises important questions about economics and social justice, revealing the human costs behind the oil industry and how the choices of a few can have fatal repercussions for many. “This is the harsh reality: while billionaires get richer, thousands of workers struggle to send money home, often endangering their own lives,” explains Thornton, accentuating the importance of revealing these stories through storytelling.
With vibrant photography and a story that drags the audience into the dust and mud of the South United States'Landman' represents an important addition to the catalog of works by Sheridanshowing itself as a profound and engaging reflection on the contradictions of the oil industry.
Last updated on December 26, 2024 by Elisabetta Cina
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