50 Facts About About The Movie The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen: A Unique Perspective

The Highwaymen, a 2019 Netflix original film, offers a fresh take on the infamous story of Bonnie and Clyde. Instead of focusing on the outlaws, it centers on the lawmen who brought them down. Here are 50 fascinating facts about this gripping movie.

1. Historical Accuracy: The Highwaymen takes some creative liberties but stays relatively true to the events leading up to Bonnie and Clyde's final shootout.

2. Focus on Lawmen: Unlike many films, this one highlights the Texas Rangers, Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, rather than the outlaws.

3. Real-Life Characters: Frank Hamer and Maney Gault were actual people who played crucial roles in ending Bonnie and Clyde's crime spree.

The Men Behind the Badges

Frank Hamer and Maney Gault were seasoned lawmen with rich histories. Their backgrounds add depth to their characters in the film.

4. Hamer’s Background: Frank Hamer was a veteran lawman, having served as a Texas Ranger and later as a private investigator.

5. Gault’s Background: Maney Gault joined the Texas Rangers in 1929 and worked for three years before Hamer selected him for the Bonnie and Clyde mission.

6. The Prison Break: The movie accurately depicts the 1934 prison escape orchestrated by Bonnie and Clyde, which led to Hamer's hiring.

7. The Escape Details: During the escape, one guard was killed, and another was injured, showcasing the outlaws' audacity.

The Hunt Begins

Hamer and Gault's mission to capture Bonnie and Clyde was filled with determination and skill. Their journey is a testament to their dedication.

8. Hamer’s Motivation: Despite being retired, Hamer took the job to stop the outlaws and restore order in Texas.

9. Gault’s Role: Hamer chose Gault as his partner, leveraging their past working relationship for an effective partnership.

10. The Ambitious Quest: The film chronicles their relentless pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde, highlighting their determination.

The Final Standoff

The climactic showdown between the lawmen and the outlaws is a pivotal moment in the film, depicted with historical accuracy.

11. The Final Standoff: The tense final shootout is shown accurately, with Bonnie and Clyde killed in their car.

12. The Location of the Shootout: Filming took place at the actual location of the real shootout, adding authenticity.

13. Desecration of Bodies: After the shootout, a mob desecrated Bonnie and Clyde's bodies, hoping for souvenirs.

Character Portrayals

The film features strong performances from its cast, bringing depth and nuance to the characters of Hamer and Gault.

14. Media Avoidance: Hamer and Gault avoided the media, focusing on their task rather than seeking attention.

15. Character Portrayals: Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson deliver compelling performances as Hamer and Gault.

16. Costner’s Performance: Kevin Costner portrays Hamer with a stolid, unemotional demeanor, reflecting a man hardened by violence.

17. Harrelson’s Performance: Woody Harrelson’s portrayal of Gault is serious and dedicated, showcasing a different side of the actor.

Supporting Cast and Cinematography

The supporting cast and the film's visual elements contribute significantly to its overall impact.

18. Kathy Bates’ Role: Kathy Bates plays Gov. Miriam “Ma” Ferguson, a commanding and confident leader.

19. Cinematography: The film's cinematography captures the wide-open roads and plains of Depression-era America.

20. Set and Costume Design: The set and costume design authentically depict 1930s America, enhancing the film's atmosphere.

Historical Context and Real-Life Events

The Highwaymen provides a unique angle on Bonnie and Clyde's story, grounded in real-life events.

21. Historical Context: The film examines the death of Bonnie and Clyde through an unexplored lens.

22. Real-Life Events: The events in the film are based on actual occurrences, making it a fascinating watch.

23. The Highwaymen’s Journey: Hamer and Gault's journey is depicted accurately, showing their meticulous attention to detail.

Hamer’s Investigation Techniques

Hamer's methods in tracking down Bonnie and Clyde were both innovative and relentless.

24. Hamer’s Investigation Techniques: Hamer drove hundreds of miles daily in a Ford V-8 Sedan, eating hot dogs and sleeping in his car.

25. Abandoned Campgrounds: Hamer found clues at abandoned campgrounds, like cigarette stubs and sandwich pieces.

26. The Ambush: Hamer led the ambush that made Bonnie and Clyde's capture inevitable.

The Role of Maney Gault

While the film inflates Gault’s role for dramatic effect, his involvement was still significant.

27. The Involvement of Maney Gault: Gault was part of the posse that shot Bonnie and Clyde, though his role was not as prominent as depicted.

28. The Composite Character: Gault’s character combines elements from multiple individuals involved in the hunt.

29. The Real Gault: The real Gault joined the Texas Rangers in 1929 and was working for the highway patrol when Hamer selected him.

The Film’s Tone and Final Scene

The film's tone becomes increasingly eerie and suspenseful, culminating in a tense final scene.

30. The Film’s Tone: The tone grows more suspenseful as Hamer and Gault close in on Bonnie and Clyde.

31. The Final Scene: The final scene shows the bullet-riddled car moving down a street in Arcadia, Louisiana, with the bodies still inside.

32. The Somber Music: Somber music plays during the final scene, contrasting with the gory sight of the corpses.

Avoiding Unnecessary Theatrics

The Highwaymen focuses on the actual storyline, avoiding unnecessary theatrics.

33. Avoiding Unnecessary Theatrics: The film avoids over-the-top drama, focusing on the true story.

34. The Star-Studded Cast: The cast, including Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, and Kathy Bates, delivers superb performances.

35. Harrelson’s Different Role: Harrelson’s portrayal of Gault is serious and dedicated, showcasing a different side of the actor.

Chemistry and Key Scenes

The chemistry between the lead actors and key scenes add depth to the film.

36. Costner’s Chemistry with Harrelson: The chemistry between Costner and Harrelson is admirable, reflecting their characters' close relationship.

37. The Gunstore Scene: The gunstore scene is noteworthy for its attention to detail in firearm handling.

38. Hamer’s Pet Wild Boar: Hamer is shown with a pet wild boar, though its historical accuracy is unclear.

Correcting Previous Portrayals

The Highwaymen sets the record straight about Frank Hamer, correcting previous inaccurate portrayals.

39. The Influence of Previous Bonnie and Clyde Films: The film corrects previous portrayals of Hamer as a bumbler, which led to a lawsuit by his widow.

40. The Film’s Reception: The Highwaymen received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its character study and performances.

Themes and Public Perception

The film explores themes of celebrity and the public's fascination with villains.

41. The Counterpoint to Penn’s Film: The Highwaymen is seen as a corrective to Penn’s film, though this interpretation is debated.

42. The Importance of Detail: Despite its character focus, the film lacks detailed information about Hamer and Gault's methods.

43. The Film’s Themes: The Highwaymen explores themes of celebrity and the public's fascination with villains.

44. The Impact on Public Perception: The film's portrayal of the public's reaction to Bonnie and Clyde's death adds historical context.

The Role of Media

The film highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism during high-profile cases.

45. The Role of Media: Hamer and Gault's media avoidance underscores their professionalism.

46. The Influence of Dorothea Lange: The film's cinematography and set design are influenced by Dorothea Lange's work, capturing 1930s America.

Cultural Significance and Legacy

The Highwaymen provides a unique perspective on Bonnie and Clyde's story, ensuring the legacy of Hamer and Gault.

47. The Cultural Significance: The film examines a piece of history through an unexplored lens, making it a fascinating watch.

48. The Star-Studded Cast’s Chemistry: The chemistry between the cast, particularly Costner and Harrelson, adds to the film's authenticity.

49. The Attention to Historical Detail: The film's use of real locations and period-specific settings enhances its credibility.

50. The Legacy of The Highwaymen: The Highwaymen ensures that the story of Frank Hamer and Maney Gault remains an integral part of American history.

The Legacy of The Highwaymen

The Highwaymen offers a fresh perspective on the Bonnie and Clyde saga, focusing on the lawmen who ended their crime spree. Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson shine as Frank Hamer and Maney Gault, bringing depth to their characters. The film's attention to historical detail, like using real locations and period-specific settings, enhances its authenticity. It avoids unnecessary theatrics, making the story more compelling. The movie also corrects past misrepresentations of Hamer, giving him the respect he deserves. While it takes some creative liberties, it remains grounded in real events. The Highwaymen stands out for its unique angle, strong performances, and meticulous craftsmanship. It ensures the story of Hamer and Gault remains a vital part of American history, offering a nuanced look at the men who brought down two of the most infamous outlaws.