Name: Mule Skinner Blues
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2001-06-13
Duration: 1 h 33 min
Rating: 6.6
Cast: Beanie Andrew, Don Arrup, Emily Brannen

I stumbled across this movie while channel surfing late one night last week on one of the Sundance Channels. I was taken with the hope, as misplaced as it seems to be, demonstrated by the residents of the trailer park. All of them seem to believe that they are only one short step shy of being discovered as talented writers, musicians and/or actors. What is wrong with that? They all may be delusional to think that they are really talented enough to make it as professional entertainers, but that kind of dream seems to keep them going. More power to them. Drugs and alcohol may blur their dreams, but allow them to keep pretending as well. On the other hand, if you really believe it, are you pretending? I know a lot of people not unlike these folks. Here in Southern Appalachia, there are plenty of characters who need to believe that they will rise above the grinding poverty of their lives and become rich, famous or celebrated for their art. These are real people, existing on the underbelly of society, one short step away from abject poverty. Yet they continue to believe that something really good will happen to them in the long run. It may be sad, but it is also touching. This movie made me feel something for the subjects of the documentary. We are surrounded by these characters. Just look around sometime.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

A retired shrimper enlists the help of fellow colorful trailer park residents to make a B-grade horror film.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Mule Skinner Blues

Videos1

Photos3

Top Cast30

User reviews11

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Did you know

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed