Sawdust (film)

Sawdust
The film was advertised using simple, unassuming posters, such as this.
Directed by	Matthew Bradley
Starring	James Greenheart Joseph Miller Catherine Flint
Music by	Peter Jones (composer)
Distributed by	Belltower Productions
Release date	August 3, 2019
Language	English
Budget	$51 million
Box office	$70 million

Sawdust is a 2019 Maximusian period drama film written and directed by Matthew Bradley and set during the Iustitian Civil War in 1837. Starring James Greenheart, Joseph Miller, Catherine Flint, and David Thresher, Sawdust depicts the gradual mobilization of the Iustitian Republican Militia through the experiences of a Litudinem carpenter who unintentionally becomes involved in the movement. The film did not perform particularly well in the box office, grossing just over $70 million on a $51 million budget, but was well received by critics. The movie would go on to win "Best New Film" at the 2020 IDU Film Festival in Laeral.

Plot Synopsis

Set in the months leading up to the Iustitian Civil War, Michael (James Greenheart), a young carpenter, witnesses a group of Provisional Army soldiers set fire to a home. As the building goes up in flames, the soldiers move their attention to an old man who has been tied to a fence post. They taunt and jeer at the old man for a few seconds before one of the soldiers unceremoniously guns him down. Laughing maniacally, the soldiers turn to face Michael.

Weeks earlier, Michael leads a fairly ordinary life in 19th century Litudinem, spending most of his time working diligently on a set of cabinets for a wealthy Litudinem socialite, Mabel Hawkins (Catherine Flint). Hawkins visits the young carpenter frequently to check on his progress and to chat. During one of their meetings, Mabel expresses her disdain for the local governor, noting his cruelty and corruption. Knowing that speaking ill of local officials is a punishable offense, Michael simply shrugs the comment off and returns to his work.

That evening, Michael runs into an old friend, Peter (Joseph Miller). Peter asks Michael to hold onto a number of crates containing some undisclosed contraband for a few days and Michael reluctantly agrees, vowing to turn the contraband over to local authorities if they are not picked up after a day. Peter thanks Michael and the two part ways. On his way home from the pub, Michael is assaulted by two drunken soldiers and beaten viciously. During a subsequent conversation with Mabel, Mrs. Hawkins inquires about his injuries and Michael explains the attack and resents the fact that he has essentially no legal recourse. Mabel confides in Michael that she believes the entire Iustitian political system must be rebuilt from the ground up. Michael agrees with the woman and the two happily consider what life would be like if the Provisional Regime was removed from power.

When a suspicious man enters Michael's store, later revealed to be a revolutionary militia soldier sent by Peter to retrieve the contraband, rifles and ammunition, the man and Michael both suspect each other to be spies and a fight ensues. Peter eventually steps in, explaining that he is a captain in the local revolutionary militia, which plans to stage an uprising in downtown Litudinem. Peter implores Michael to join the group and aid him in the upcoming attack. The young carpenter recalls his conversations with Hawkins. Inspired by the woman’s words, Michael offers his workshop storage shed as an armory for the militia, but refuses to fight alongside Peter.

Michael completes Hawkins's cabinet set and installs it at her family estate. Hawkins pays the carpenter twice their agreed-upon amount and tells Michael that the cabinets are the finest set she has ever seen. Having enjoyed her company greatly, Micheal confesses that he has joined a cause bigger than himself and credits this action with the quality of his carpentry work. Upon further prompting by Hawkins, Michael explains that, following their discussion the day prior, he had agreed to aid the local militia in their efforts to topple the governor from power. A seemingly elated Mabel encourages Michael to do all he can for the militia. Unbeknownst to Michael, Hawkins walks up the road only a few blocks before climbing into a horse-drawn buggy. Sitting directly beside her is the governor himself, who Mabel passionately kisses.

The film cuts back to its original scene. Michael sadly scans his eyes over the horizon before dipping them down to examine a newspaper at his feet, revealing the engagement of Hawkins and the governor. Michael confronts the soldiers, who are rounding up suspected members of the revolutionary militia. Rather than allow himself to be put on trial, Michael declares himself a disciple of the revolution and is summarily executed. His storehouse is subsequently raided and the stored arms are taken.

In a post-credits scene, the body of Mrs. Hawkins is seen sprawled out on the marble floor of a collapsed manor house. The splintered remains of Michael’s once-grand cabinet set can be seen nearby.

Cast

James Greenheart as Michael, an apathetic Litudinem carpenter who eventually becomes involved with the Republican Militia.

Joseph Miller as Peter, a Republican Militia leader based on real life revolutionary leader James Pearson.

Catherine Flint as Mabel Hawkins, a Litudinem socialite who appears to harbor revolutionary sentiment.