Roughnecks

About This Movie

Roughnecks (1980) stands out as an interesting mix of adventure and drama, capturing the grit of the oil industry with a unique lens. You’ve got Ida McBride, a determined matriarch who defies her son Tom as she pursues oil drilling on their ranch. The atmosphere is rife with tension, thanks to a crew of wildcatters that includes an experienced drilling magnate and his young roughneck associate. The film navigates family dynamics, ambition, and the harsh realities of drilling for gas. It’s not flashy, but the practical effects and on-location shooting lend authenticity. Performances are solid, especially in how they convey the conflicts and camaraderie among the crew. It’s a different take on the American West, showing not just the land but the ensuing struggle for survival and success.

Interesting take on family dynamics in the oil industry.Authentic feel due to practical effects and real locations.Captures the struggle and camaraderie of the crew well.