Watch The Meanest Man in Texas

The Meanest Man in Texas is a 2017 biographical drama film based on the life of Clyde Thompson, a notorious criminal who spent many years of his life in jail for robbery and murder. The film chronicles the journey of Clyde, from his early days as a rebellious youth to his transformation into a born-again Christian. The film opens with a young Clyde (played by Mateus Ward) who gets into trouble for stealing a car. His father is unable to control him, and his mother is too weak to stand up to him. Clyde's life takes a dramatic turn when he is sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment for robbery. He is sent to the notorious Huntsville prison in Texas, where he is quickly introduced to the harsh realities of prison life.

At the prison, Clyde meets several inmates, both violent and nonviolent, who become his acquaintances. He also meets the prison chaplain, who introduces him to the Bible and tries to convince him to turn his life around. Clyde initially responds with cynicism and mockery, but slowly, he starts to see the value of the chaplain's teachings.

Over time, Clyde transforms into a different person, thanks to his newfound faith. He becomes a model prisoner, helping his fellow inmates, and even the prison guards grow to respect him. However, just as Clyde starts to believe that he has a chance at a new life, his past catches up with him. He is accused of another crime and is sent to death row.

While on death row, Clyde receives a visit from a young woman named Julia Perry (Alexandra Bard) who believes he is innocent. With her help, Clyde appeals his sentence and is eventually released from prison. He is now a free man, but he must come to terms with his past and his newfound faith.

The film features strong performances by the cast, especially Mateus Ward, who portrays Clyde's transformation from a reckless youth to a changed man with a lot of conviction. Jamie McShane, who plays the prison chaplain, is also very effective and gives a nuanced performance.

The Meanest Man in Texas is a well-made film that does an excellent job of humanizing a notorious criminal and showcasing the redemptive power of faith. The film is not preachy, and the filmmakers strike the right balance between drama and sentimentality. The cinematography is excellent, and the film captures the desolate beauty of the Texas landscape.

Overall, The Meanest Man in Texas is a film worth watching, especially for those interested in true crime stories and the power of redemption. It is a poignant and compelling story about a man who finds hope in the most unlikely of places - a prison cell.

The Meanest Man in Texas is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.