MovieChat Forums > Mud (2013) Discussion > Finale shootout criticism

Finale shootout criticism

posted 9 years ago by bc_rocker
5 replies | jump to latest

I generally don't like to nitpick when it comes to movies, I mean they primarily exist as entertainment and it's rare to find a movie that's "perfect" or doesn't take some liberties with the plot but something that kind of stuck out to me was that during the shoot out near the end of the film; I presume all of the guys hunting Mud are "professionals" and yet when the old man sniper across the water is taking potshots they don't seem to react at all. Rifle fire from that distance would have a very distinct sound, I mean they even make that clear in the film giving the sniper shots a nice loud ringing echo, and yet the "leader" of the guys hunting Mud just walks outside nonchalant after already hearing two sniper shots just moments, I mean it would have been very obvious especially to any kind of lawman, bounty hunter, or ex-military.

[–] dksix 9 years ago

Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes seasoned "guns" grow used to the sound of gunfire. Also sometimes in the heat of battle people get tunnel vision. It is possible that in their quest to find Mud they may not have had the awareness of the other gunshots. It is also possible that the reports from the other shots made it difficult to identify a potential sniper. All depends on the individuals. Those who play with guns tend to flinch less and are less concerned with gunshots than others. Also based on gunshots you can identify where the shot was aimed and if it is a concern.

[–] mnbush 8 years ago

Also, when they were all gathering in King's motel room, wasn't it explained as some locals and some police were 'bought' for the job. So not all there were professionals. Obviously the brother wasn't.

Then there's the aspect of being shot at, would they stop to think (and listen) at all?

You do have a point though.

[–] BringBackIMDbMessageBoards (6) 4 years ago

Just the fact that they're not expecting to be shot at from the other side of the river would probably increase their confusion.

But yeah, the movie had some issues with continuity and other details.

[–] redban (6574) 4 years ago

Ehh ... it was heat of the moment. That's why he went outside with the sniper there. This wasn't a football play that they practiced repeatedly.

And he had been chasing Mud for a while, so he was eager. His eagerness blocked his good sense

[–] KutWrite (1332) 4 months ago

REmember too:

1. They're under a lot of pressure to get Mud. That guy King doesn't appear to react well to failure.

2. After a few shotgun blasts, their ears would be ringing to say the least. I didn't see any ear protection on any of them.

3. They may've been pros, technically, but none of 'em, even King's remaining son, struck me as, say, Jason Bourne level. Probably none of them have dealt with snipers in battle.