And this week's Friday night movie has been... Stagecoach!
.jpg)
I'm going after one of the big ones here today folks. I won't say no to a western and this is one of the big ones: The 1939 classic that was John Wayne's breakthrough role and the movie that elevated the western into a genre to be taken seriously.
Clearly the strength of this movie relies on three things: First up, is the characters. They are all well-realized, well-written and a stunning example of how to make the most of a small cast within a limited/restricted location.
Secondly, is the stunning scenery, that would become a trademark of John Ford's later movies (The Searchers anyone?). It looks as wide and empty as one would expect the frontier to look.
And thirdly is the stunning climax where the coach is under attack. It is tense, well shot and exciting. Indeed, one gets the impression this scene was one that has been studied by many a filmmakers ever since and has been alluded to in many an action movie.
It may be easy to dismiss this movie given it's age but, given the path it beat down, this is one movie that, quite rightly, demands respect. Furthermore. it is interesting to pick up elements that would be replicated countless times thereafter.
I always find it a gamble to talk about a movie from the 'classic' era (ie pre-1970/New Hollywood/Star Wars) but in this case, the gamble has paid off
No comments:
Post a Comment