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Taylor Sheridan explored the devastating impact of casual racism in America in his 2016 film. Through subtle yet powerful dialogue, the movie unpacks how seemingly innocent remarks can perpetuate division and harm. Sheridan crafted a story that’s not just about the characters on screen, but about society itself, challenging viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking beneath everyday interactions.
It’s a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained biases can shape lives, all masked behind a facade of harmless humor and offhand comments.
Taylor Sheridan’s unflinching look at rural America inHell or High Water
“They think it’s playful. But their words create a divide.”This sharp observation fromTaylor Sheridancaptures the essence of his 2016 screenplay forHell or High Water. The film, which tackles the consequences of casual racism in America, dives deep into the gritty, small-town life, showing how offhand remarks can create rifts.
Sheridan, who wrote the script in just three weeks, was determined to keep it raw and real, refusing to sugarcoat the harsh realities of rural America.He alluded,
There was hesitation about that and rightly so. But it’s something that exists. That’s how a lot of these guys talk… I think that kind of casual racism comes from insecurity — guys who don’t know how to express their affection with each other so they revert to these insults. They think it’s playful. But their words create a divide.
Sheridan continued,
I didn’t want to candy-coat these people. I wanted to be really honest — take ’em or leave ’em — and I think that’s one reason the film has connected.
Despite initial hesitations about its racial undertones,Hell or High Waterstruck a chord with audiences, offeringan unfiltered look at a worldmany would rather ignore. Sheridan didn’t shy away from showing how insecure men often mask their feelings through biting humor, further dividing communities instead of uniting them.
This neo-western, nominated for multiple Oscars, may not have been the frontrunner, but its gritty realism earned it critical acclaim. Sheridan, once said neo-westerns were “box office poison,” found success where others doubted.
‘The Hawk Tuah girl got famous overnight’: Landman’s Awful Scenes Are Proof Taylor Sheridan Scrapped the Barrel to Write His Female Characters
The film’s portrayal of rural disenfranchisement and morally complex characters made it one of the standout films of 2016, proving Taylor Sheridan’sability to craft stories that resonate deeplywith viewers, no matter how uncomfortable the truth may be.
Taylor Sheridan’s Empire: Bigger, Bolder, Unstoppable
Yellowstone’sfinal season may have driven off a cliff, butTaylor Sheridan’s empire has never been stronger. Despitelosing its lead star,Yellowstonefinale reportedly drew a record-breaking 11 million viewers, andLandmanbecame Paramount’s biggest scripted hit.
Why? Sheridan’s success lies in making “dumb, fun genre shows” with vibes and mechanics that hit hard. FromLionesstoTulsa King, he mastered the art of larger-than-life characters in male-centric worlds. These shows deliver more than just politics — they give us unfiltered, action-packed entertainment.
His knack for creating vivid, textured settings — from Montana’s vast plains to Texas’ oil fields — keeps viewers coming back for more. Sheridan’s world may be loud and messy, but perhaps that’s what makes it so compelling.
“I will never be saying that to my father”: Even Michelle Randolph Knows How Awful Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Landman’ Line Really Was
Hell or High Wateris available to watch on Paramount + & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
