Seen: September 6th, 2007
Format: DVD
Rating: 6
Maybe you're a glass-half-full type of person. If so, you might enjoy this film.
You might like Brian Keith's performance, which is over the top and one of the most genuine and amusing I've seen in a long time. He's not only the comic relief for this film, but in many ways its very heart. Frapp's affection for the serious Tyler helps us accept and even grow to like him.
You might appreciate the locations, which are stunning. They embody the ultimate romantic premise of the film, men who are men, out in the wild, wresting their livelihood from it while constantly fighting for survival. It's a powerful and fundamental American archetype and fully exploited here.
You might also enjoy the amazing lack of political correctness. Whites and Indians fight each other incessantly and steal from each other as a matter of course. The often respect each other and sometimes there's love, or slavery; the lines are often wide and gray. The film treats this all baldly, not shrinking for it's reality, but not pandering it either.
If, on the other hand, you see your glass half empty, there's plenty to dislike.
The number of horse falls is a bit stunning, I find it hard to believe none were injured. Animals in general seem to take it hard in this film, though the credits assure us otherwise. Women aren't treated particularly well either.
Heston's acting can be a touch grating. He's never been a favorite, been his over-emoting here is particularly tiresome at times. I can't imagine him playing happy-go-lucky, he'd probably seem afflicted with rictus.
The plot isn't particularly think either. It's all about the wilderness and fighting with your neighbor. It's about trapping beaver, getting drunk and laid. It's hardly art-house fare.
Full or empty, it's your choice of course. But all in all it's not a bad way to pass a few hours with a friend.
The Good: Brian Keith
The Bad: Monomania
The Ugly: Parley
No comments:
Post a Comment