Finally made it through all the 141 minutes: if the original cut was 300 minutes long it must have been a rather sick joke. The (unoriginal) story behind would support a movie that is 90 minutes long, at max. Probably more suited for a television mini-series. That been said, it's very clear why this is an everlasting monument to artistic overindulgence. Brando, however great he was - I ain't taking him that away, he's very fun to watch here too - apparently had no measure for anything in his life; he takes every scene there is to the extreme, not really knowing what he's doing. Unfortunately for him - he wasn't Leone, that point after the long wait that makes it all worthwhile in Leone's Westerns isn't to be found anywhere in this, only more subterfuge. And then in merely 10 minutes they end it all with a couple of gunshots and a (bad) romance. Perhaps Leone did drain some inspiration from this movie, and at the same time learned how not to do certain things.The cinematography should definitely be seen in WS, I don't remember many movies (especially not Ws) set on the coast of Mexico. It's beautiful.In the end, it's not such a bad movie as it's messed up, I'm thinking a re-cut would open new doors for it. The acting's excellent, besides Brando Karl Malden shines, and in the back Ben Johnson offers a sneaky and stealthy performance. There are also Slim Pickens, Katy Jurado and a few other known faces.(around) 6.5/10
After eons I rewatched it (I bought the french widescreen dvd 4 years ago) and I must say that Brando here is a better director than actor. It is true that the movie is overlong and the romantic subplot slows down the little action there is. But what doesn't really work is Brando himself. He's fat , mumbles through his lines and that hat he wears is too small for his puffed up face. but those scenes in the beginning with the windswept hills are worth alone price of admission. So I give 7/10. There's been mention here (courtesy of late member Groggy ) of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid: Strangely nobody here mentioned the similarity between the jailhouse scenes in both movies. Also, the leather string on Brando's right hand reminded me of FFDM.
There's been mention here (courtesy of late member Groggy ) of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid: Strangely nobody here mentioned the similarity between the jailhouse scenes in both movies.
You need to read this:http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Death-Contentious-Afterlife-Garrett/dp/0810130564
Personally I don't really appreciate the Seydor edit of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, but I do very much appreciate his extensive knowledge on the subject which makes for a great read.
If I remember right Kubrick had started shooting "One Eyed Jacks", but couldnt get along with Brando on the set, so he left within a week?I love this film, especially the windswept valley fight at the beginning and Karl Malden is one of the greatest actors alive and still kickin in his nineties!What a damn shame that it is not available on a widescreen dvd, as I know there was a fantastic widescreen laserdisc out around ten years ago.You know the studios have just been lazy as they probably feel there is no market for this classic.
... Sam Peckinpah was also rumoured to writing the screenplay too...
