Looking at the seemingly never ending slew of remakes, reboots and reimaginings hitting cinemas you could be forgiven for thinking the future of original and independent film doesn't look very good. However, like finding an old pair of jeans with a crumpled up £20 note in the back pocket, you may find something interesting to watch looking at past gems rather than future turkeys. We've got films on this list almost 40 years old and while some were hits in their day that have long faded from the publics consciousness (like stone-wash denim), others flew under the radar of mainstream viewing when they were released and have since been all but forgotten (like Evisu Jeans but not as hideously fugly). With Hollywoods emphasis ostensibly on Bigger! Louder! More! now is the perfect time to re-acquaint yourself with these forgotten gems that all offer the viewer something different, so, lets take a look at 9 films that you need to see before you die that will never go out fashion
9. Lone Star (1996)
Director: John Sayles Cast: Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Pena, Kris Kristofferson & Matthew McConaughey Plot: Sam Deeds (Chris Cooper) is the local sheriff in Rio County, Texas, who is called to investigate a 40-year-old skeleton found in the desert. As Sam delves deeper into the mysterious skeleton he discovers some of the town's dark secrets and learns more about his father, the legendary former sheriff Buddy Deeds (Matthew McConaughey), who replaced the corrupt and detestable Charlie Wade (Kris Kristofferson) as the events of the past come back to haunt those involved. Reason(s) To Watch Before You Die: This character-led murder mystery features a rare lead role for Chris Cooper who delivers an incredible performance as an unassuming man living in the shadow of his father. Cooper completely convinces as a leading man in this complex and tightly plotted drama and it makes you wish an actor famous for his supporting turns in box office hits like The Bourne Identity and The Amazing Spiderman II had more leading role opportunities. He gets fantastic support from a devilish Kris Kristofferson with a glint in his eye and a pre-McConaissance McConaughey who adds a touch of glamour to the flashback-set scenes in John Sayles modern day western.
