Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/929567
P E R S P E C T I V E | M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 8 57 When I read the script for The Ballad of Lefty Brown, I knew I had to design the film. It was the best script I had read in years. A story fraught with loyalty, betrayal, redemption and shootouts; I was hooked! And the best part? It was set in Montana in the year of 1889. My agent had submitted me to the project, but the director wasn't convinced I could design a gritty western. Luckily, a trusted colleague recommended me and I got my shot. Armed with twenty examples of my grittiest work, several from my recent project Future World; I seized the director's attention. It was then I presented my vision for bringing Lefty's world to life on film. Later that day, I got the offer. This was going to be an adventure! Written and directed by Jared Moshé, The Ballad of Lefty Brown centers around Edward Johnson, played by Peter Fonda, and his trusty sidekick Lefty Brown, played by Bill Pullman. They are partners doling out justice to outlaws as they see fit. Edward has just been elected the new senator of Montana and is moving to Washington, DC, Lefty is pondering his future without him when disaster strikes— Edward is murdered. So, begins the story of Lefty trying to avenge his fallen confederate. (I don't want to say any more for fear of giving away too much.) The script really resonated with me, so visceral, so funny, and at times, so sad. You feel for this crotchety, bumbling cowboy—adrift without his partner. Another appealing aspect was the character of Laura, played by Kathy Baker. A strong and independent female, something you don't see in most Westerns. Better yet, she was treated as an equal to her husband. The allure of designing for this period and C B