John Hillcoat's Video Game Short Film Adaptation Red Dead Redemption

Last month we told you that director John Hillcoat would be directing a 30-minute trailer/machinima/short film for Rockstar Games newest video game, Red Dead Redemption. The short gives us "a glimpse inside the life of partially reformed outlaw John Marston as he journeys through the vanishing American west seeking out his former brothers in arms, all in the name of justice." Basically, it looks like one long cut scene from the game. Seeing billboards advertising for this game all around Los Angeles, I've been very tempted to pick it up (who says advertising doesn't work?).

As David said previously, "Hillcoat's 2009 film The Road proved that Hillcoat has the ability to craft a dark, thematically rich drama, but Hillcoat's Proposition also showed that he has a knack for westerns." Which is likely why he was hired to helm this effort. The trailer is now online, and embedded after the jump. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Here is more information on the short from Rockstar:

The 30 minute short is a glimpse inside the life of partially reformed outlaw John Marston as he journeys through the vanishing American west seeking out his former brothers in arms, all in the name of justice.  A varied cast of characters and morally ambiguous situations greet John at every turn, continuously testing his resolve and commitment.  Playing out against the modernizing frontier and the emergence of the federal government, John's story takes him everywhere from the American west to south of the border in Mexico. Using only in-game assets and original camera work and editing, Hillcoat re-imagines the massive world of Red Dead Redemption and brings the story to a brand new audience.

Here's a plot synopsis of the game:

America, early 1900's. The era of the cowboy is coming to an end. When federal agents threaten his family, former outlaw John Marston is sent across the American frontier to help bring the rule of law. Experience intense gun battles, dramatic train robberies, bounty hunting and duels during a time of violent change. Red Dead Redemption is an epic battle for survival in a beautiful open world as John Marston struggles to bury his blood-stained past, one man at a time.