Quantum Cowboys is a genre-bending spectacle featuring David Arquette.
Several years ago, the idea for Quantum Cowboys was conceived by filmmaker Geoff Marslett. It is a unique time journey western. It blends multiple universes with multiple styles of animation and live-action filmmaking. This film we screened during Fantastic Fest uses stop-motion, old-school rotoscope, cutting-edge 3D CGI, and acrylic paint to convey different timelines and realities. The film features a talented cast, Kiowa Gordon, Lily Gladstone, John Way, David Arquette, Frank Mosley, Gary Farmer, Patrick Page, Neko Case, Alexa Cox, and John Doe.
Synopsis
Two hapless drifters, Frank and Bruno, team up with Linde to recover her land and trek across 1870’s Southern Arizona to find an elusive frontier musician. The complex quantum time theory is blended with philosophical musings about art as the way we understand our history and memories, with gunfights, horses, dance halls, cacti, and saloons.
Quantum Cowboys is a wild and psychedelic trip from the mind of a physicist filmmaker with a deep interest in time travel and the multiverse theory. You can tell that this film is a labor of love for Marslett. It plays out as a love letter to animation. The overall cast is fantastic and brings their own flair and prominent personalities to the project.
When you do world building in a universe in a film, you have to commit to that you can’t violate your own set of rules, you have to believe those. And it always frustrates me when I watch especially sci fi, when they break their own rules. It drives me nuts it gets under my skin.
Geoff Marslett
“He knows the actual rules that are so wild. That makes my head kinda explode.”
David Arquette
Those rules specific to Marslet may go over the head of some of the audience, but it will make you want to watch the film multiple times. David Arquette, who is heavily featured in the film, still has yet to fully grasp the whole concept due to all the timelines involved. However, you will better understand the world Marslett has created with every viewing. So don’t fret if you have questions. Just plan to watch Quantum Cowboys more than once.
Verdict
I give Quantum Cowboys 4 out of 5 stars. It is a gem of a film traveling around the country with special screenings. Keep an eye out for your opportunity to catch this well-crafted digital artwork. Do you Vouch for it? Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and Subscribe to our YouTube.
Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.