Movie Review: Los Lonely Boys: Cottonfields and Crossroads

Every day we live history. Part of what makes life in Austin unique is the living of music history. Every night of the week we can hit one of the local venues and hear a band we’ve never heard before. That band that hauled itself into town in a rusted out van from the far reaches of Texas—or elsewhere—for the opportunity to play at the Saxon Pub, Antone’s or Stubb’s on a Tuesday night just might be the next big thing.

Director Hector Galan (Songs of the Homeland, Accordion Dreams) was sitting in the Saxon Pub and thought exactly that about three brothers from his own hometown of San Angelo. Having focused his artistic intentions on preserving Mexican-American heritage through his work, he was inspired by what he saw on stage that night.

He recognized in their distinct “Texican” music a familiarity, something that seemed like home, an essence that reminded him of life in San Angelo. He was convinced that the world needed to know more about the then essentially unknown trio called, Los Lonely Boys.

Galan embarked on a monumental effort, following the band and creating a rare piece. Not a concert film, not a historical documentary as such, he describes it as a “feature documentary,” and traces the music to its origin. Galan bookends his film with footage of a performance given in San Angelo in 2005—after their rise to fame, opening for Willie and Grammys all around—but the story derives its rich perspective from the Mexican-American experience of growing up in west Texas portrayed in between.

Anchored by rare performances captured on broadcast quality video, the aspect ratio was destined for television or cable, but was transferred to 35mm for theater projection. A wide-angled lens provides an intimate backstage pass to the ‘Boys early years and their hard-earned climb to success in venues from Austin to Nashville. Candid interviews, Photoshop effects with archival photos, and impromptu backyard concerts with the fourth lonely boy (their father, Enrique Garza) weave the tale of three brothers from humble beginnings and their dream of music.

Cottonfields and Crossroads made its debut at the 2006 SXSW film festival and is now in wider release. With limited prints available, the film is making what Galan calls “platform distribution,” with blankets of screenings happening regionally.

Cottonfields and Crossroads opens today in Austin.

Today’s showtimes.

Official film website.

*Image (c) Los Lonely Boys' Official Site*