I'm a staunch, almost rabid, defender of this film. Sometimes I feel as if even those who "get" this movie don't get it. It goes without saying that the cinematography is breathtaking and the technical points are masterful, few who know film would dispute that. It's recognized as one of the greatest westerns of all time by many and gets its deserved recognition on most critical lists. Even with all of its accolades, however, I feel as if it isn't enough.
There's so much depth to this film and beauty to its story, its one of those films that gives you new ideas each and every time you watch it. The plot goes far beyond the heads of the pc crowd who see it as "racist" or "old-fashioned", although I suspect that some can't get over the fact that this film is truthful. The film embraces neither extreme position, that the settlers of the Old West were honorable heroes or that the Indians were always simply innocent victims by evil white men. Rather, its a portrait of humanity as a whole and still applies today. As an example, think of the relationship and parallel between the "villain" Scar and Wayne's character, Ethan Edwards. Both are racists, but both are extremely knowledgeable of the language and customs of the other race. Both were subject to deaths in their family from the other side that led to their attitude, both took wives from the other race. That's just one small tidbit that adds to the complexity of the characters and the dynamic between the white man and Indian, there is much, much more.
The characters are multi-layered, and yet the impressive thing about it is that they never talk about it. I suspect that this is part of the reason it goes over the heads of some who believe it to be overrated, because almost all of the character background is explored visually by Ford. Even characters that are dismissed as "corny comic relief", are not as they seem. One example of this is Mose Harper, a character that I, for one, still haven't quite figured out.
A final note on the acting, the performances by a few may be the weakest spot in the film, and that's with all the performances being very good AND this being the best performance of Wayne's career.
This is a film that everyone should see, talk about, analyze, and enjoy. It really is worth it, a true masterpiece.
There's so much depth to this film and beauty to its story, its one of those films that gives you new ideas each and every time you watch it. The plot goes far beyond the heads of the pc crowd who see it as "racist" or "old-fashioned", although I suspect that some can't get over the fact that this film is truthful. The film embraces neither extreme position, that the settlers of the Old West were honorable heroes or that the Indians were always simply innocent victims by evil white men. Rather, its a portrait of humanity as a whole and still applies today. As an example, think of the relationship and parallel between the "villain" Scar and Wayne's character, Ethan Edwards. Both are racists, but both are extremely knowledgeable of the language and customs of the other race. Both were subject to deaths in their family from the other side that led to their attitude, both took wives from the other race. That's just one small tidbit that adds to the complexity of the characters and the dynamic between the white man and Indian, there is much, much more.
The characters are multi-layered, and yet the impressive thing about it is that they never talk about it. I suspect that this is part of the reason it goes over the heads of some who believe it to be overrated, because almost all of the character background is explored visually by Ford. Even characters that are dismissed as "corny comic relief", are not as they seem. One example of this is Mose Harper, a character that I, for one, still haven't quite figured out.
A final note on the acting, the performances by a few may be the weakest spot in the film, and that's with all the performances being very good AND this being the best performance of Wayne's career.
This is a film that everyone should see, talk about, analyze, and enjoy. It really is worth it, a true masterpiece.