Hell or High Water was a career highlight for Chris Pine, portraying a bank-robbing brother in Taylor Sheridan’s gripping 2016 tale. Pine’s performance, under Sheridan’s direction, captivated audiences, earning much praise. Sheridan’s choice to cast Pine not only elevated the film but also saved it as Pine was indeed the right choice.
Through Pine’s nuanced portrayal, the character resonated with viewers, exploring themes of family and justice. Pine’s commanding presence and raw emotion left a lasting impact, making Hell or High Water a standout in both his and Sheridan’s impressive bodies of work.
Taylor Sheridan’s Casting of Chris Pine Took Hell or High Water to a Whole New Level
Taylor Sheridan aimed for the audience to sympathize with bank robbers Toby played by Chris Pine, and Tanner played by Ben Foster, despite their criminal actions. This is why the script deliberately keeps their reasons hidden for a significant portion of the film, allowing viewers to gradually uncover their motivations and complexities.
In an interview with IndieWire, Taylor Sheridan revealed,
If you know why they’re doing it from beginning, that they have noble reasons, that would make Marcus (Bridges) the villain. I wanted you to fall in love with these boys and then learn what they’re doing, so you are rooting for Marcus and Alberto (Gil Birmingham) as well. So when you see the inevitable conclusion, you don’t mind if the cars crash together.
While finding actors suitable for Marcus and Tanner was relatively straightforward, the role of Toby proved challenging to cast. Sheridan searched extensively for the right fit but struggled until he he saw Chris Pine. Pine proved to be an ideal match, embodying the character flawlessly.
That was Toby. You don’t see it in the studio films, but he’s kind of Gary Cooper decent and a real throwback.
Who would have thought that one of the lowest-budget movies would become the perfect platform for Chris Pine to showcase his true capabilities?
Chris Pine’s Performance in Hell or High Water Deserves More Attention
In Hell or High Water, Chris Pine plays Toby Howard. Toby is a man driven by his circumstances, a modern-day outlaw with a singular mission, to save his family’s ranch from foreclosure. Unlike the stereotypical outlaw, Toby’s motivations stem from familial duty rather than chaos. Pine’s portrayal lends Toby a complexity that defies easy categorization, navigating the moral gray areas that shape his decisions.
What distinguishes Pine’s performance is his mastery of non-verbal acting. With every furrowed brow and stare, he communicates Toby’s inner turmoil, allowing viewers to feel the weight of his desperation. Pine’s portrayal transcends the screen, immersing the audience in Toby’s emotional journey cementing him as a true Hollywood star. While Ben Foster’s Tanner provides fiery impulsiveness, Pine delivers a nuanced and understated performance that speaks volumes in silence.
Fans are glad Pine got to showcase his versatility as an actor. His portrayal perfectly captures the essence of Toby’s struggle, making him a compelling and relatable figure in the narrative. Truly one of his bests!
Hell or High Water is currently streaming on Paramount+.
