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Tommy Lee Jones seems to show up here quite a bit. No surprise. He’s a mainstay of Trans Pecos Texas, my Texas as I like to say.
I bought the DVD of Jones’ movie, “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,” filmed in the Big Bend area. It’s the first DVD I’ve ever purchased, and I’ve already watched it twice. I have several viewings scheduled for friends and family who may or may not share my enthusiasm for it.
The film is a masterpiece, influenced by Kabuki, Greek Tragedy, Sam Peckinpaw, and Renaissance art more than John Wayne. See it.
But that’s not the real reason Tommy Lee is back in my blog. He’s appearing in the movie “No Country For Old Men,” based on Cormac McCarthy’s latest book. It also takes place in West Texas. The Cohen brothers, Ethan and Joel, famous for “Fargo”, are directing. They filmed on location on The Pinto Canyon Road.
The Pinto Canyon Road. That’s where I have been stopped twice by the Border Patrol. I have a witness, my friend Edgy. The BP pursued me with lights flashing and tires spinning. At least as much as possible on a treacherous, one lane road with hairpin turns and sudden dropoffs.
The first time, the officer approached with his hand on his gun which was in his holster which he unsnapped. I shut the engine, and put my hands on the dashboard where he could see them. Seemed the wise thing to do.
I’ve gathered that the Migra doesn’t much like me. First, there’s the New York plates on a dusty four wheel drive vehicle on a road that’s barely a road. Then there’s my name. Way too Latin for them.
Last, there’s my looks. Obviously not Anglo.
“They don’t like how you look,” explained Edgy after the second incident. “They think you’re a Mexican.”
“Why?” I asked.
“‘Cause you look like one.” There was an exasperated tone to his voice.
I may still look like a Mexican. But I hope now I can travel the Pinto Canyon Road without being accosted by our National Police Force (aka the INS). The presence of Hollywood may have given it some panache, if such a thing is possible in West Texas. At least, it should have discouraged the narcotraficantes and wetbacks from traveling it, which in turn, should discourage the Border Patrol as well.
We can only hope.
I doubt that the Border Patrol stops Tommy Lee Jones on back roads. Or Cormac McCarthy. Or the Cohen Brothers.
Next year, I’ll head up the Pinto Canyon Road again. With my New York plates. And my Latin name. And my non-Anglo face.
We’ll see what happens. I’ll keep you posted.
