PORTER ROCKWELL - GUNMAN AND SAINT: FILM REVIEW

Director Alberto Nunes shares his vision of the legendary figure from Latter-Day Saint history. 

“Porter Rockwell - Gunman and Saint” intercuts between an approaching shootout and flashbacks that highlight Porter Rockwell’s friendship with Joseph Smith. This really emphasized the contrasting reputations Rockwell had amongst people who feared him and people who loved him, adding to the depth of his character.

While this film could have easily leaned heavily into its faith-based origins, this proof of concept did an excellent job focusing solely on Rockwell’s reputation and the humanistic complexities of right and wrong; allowing the story to be a lot more relatable.

The production design was also something truly noteworthy, as it transports viewers back in time to the early 1800s without any noticeable anachronisms. The filmmakers made excellent use of their resources and succeeded in making this period piece feel real.

This film is a proof of concept, but it definitely showed the outstanding capabilities of the filmmakers behind it.

Review by Ike Mauga

Screen Grab from Porter Rockwell - Gunman and Saint