My Favorite Westerns
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- DirectorSam PeckinpahStarsWilliam HoldenErnest BorgnineRobert RyanAn aging group of outlaws look for one last big score as the "traditional" American West is disappearing around them.A real game-changer in the Western genre. Fittingly, it is set in the period of 20th century transition away from the lawless west as the movie came out as the western genre was fading. The film pulls no punches, and remains both enjoyable and riveting. The highly stylized, yet the most realistic, violence a western had ever shown paved the way for how graphic violence was portrayed in all genres of film following it. The storyline itself is also fascinating, as the audience is drawn into the complicated personas of the main bandits. Their story evolves cathartically into a final shootout that's one for the ages. Intriguing on all levels, it's an unapologetic look at violent men in a violent time whose fate is ultimately determined by violence itself.
- DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsPaul NewmanRobert RedfordKatharine RossIn 1890s Wyoming, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid lead a band of outlaws. When a train robbery goes wrong, they find themselves on the run with a posse hard on their heels. After considering their options, they escape to South America.Ironically, the top two movies on my list are from 1969. While "The WIld Bunch" shocked audiences with its graphic material, this film captivated audiences with fascinating characters, witty dialogue, and astounding ending. These two outlaws kept a rapport between them that was so fun to listen in on, it made you feel like you were one of them. Paul Newman and Robert Redford have excellent chemistry as they bicker like a married couple from the west to Bolivia. Highlights such as Newman attempting to speak Spanish at a bank robbery in Bolivia, and of course the infamous waterfall jump scene are so well done that you could watch them again and again. The ending remains as one of the most beautiful and sad images ever put on screen. I won't give it away here, but it perfectly encapsulates not only the film's story, but the story of the fading Western in 1969.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsJohn WayneDean MartinRicky NelsonA small-town sheriff in the American West enlists the help of a disabled man, a drunk, and a young gunfighter in his efforts to hold in jail the brother of the local bad guy.While the first two films on this list were notable for how they changed the face of the Western genre, Rio Bravo is an excellent example of the opposite. It didn't need to make any drastic changes to the genre, it just did what Westerns had become known for, only better than the rest. My choices for this list seemed to revolve around characters so much, and not many films did it as well or as memorably as this Howard Hawks classic did. The combination of old Western vets John Wayne and Walter Brennan along with newcomers Dean Martin and Ricky Nelson makes for an enjoyable gang of heroes as they attempt to bring justice to a killer (a devilishly good Claude Akins). Iconic images such as the blood dropping in the beer glass, as well as the rapid fire lines Hawks did better than anyone elevate this film to a higher level than many other Westerns in that time. I was particularly moved by the surprising depth of Martin's tortured Dude. A role that could've been hammed up as a drunken deputy is played with such conviction by Martin, it's surprising to see that he didn't do more work like this. The gunfight at the end is expertly done, and there's not a more fun Western i can think of that I'd rather watch.
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsYul BrynnerSteve McQueenCharles BronsonSeven gunfighters are hired by Mexican peasants to liberate their village from oppressive bandits.Like Rio Bravo, The Magnificent Seven didn't attempt to re-invent Westerns, in fact it was a remake itself (Seven Samurai). However it adapted Akira Kurosawa's feudal Japan tale to the lawless West so effectively that it has sustained long past many of its contemporaries. Once again, it is an intriguing character study of 7 different, compelling gunfighters who band together to defend a Mexican village from bandits. A familiar plot that has been re-used countless times, this films stands out for the attention to detail in every character. While everyone gives an excellent performance, Steve McQueen and James Coburn are especially fun as an ultra-cool drifter and a deadly knife-thrower respectively. The tough thing about making these characters so distinct, is the knowledge that they won't all survive in the end. Unlike Rio Bravo, where you know the good guys will be all right in the end, the same cannot be said for this compelling group of heroes. A rousing score by Elmer Bernstein, and amazingly choreographed fight scenes make this one of the most fun, exciting Westerns in memory.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGene HackmanMorgan FreemanRetired Old West gunslinger William Munny reluctantly takes on one last job, with the help of his old partner Ned Logan and a young man, The "Schofield Kid."In terms of genre makeovers, Unforgiven gets a special mention for doing it long after Westerns were relevant. In it, Clint Eastwood has crafted an incredibly affecting piece of work that refuses to glamorize the West, and presents earnest performances with an aura of grit that has never been equalized. Eastwood stars as well, seemingly playing an aged version of his Man with No Name character, and is surrounded by some of the best actors of the generation. Morgan Freeman as his questioning, yet loyal sidekick Ned, Richard Harris as the charismatic, mysterious bounty hunter English Bob, and Gene Hackman as the charming, sadistic sheriff Little Bill all deliver powerhouse performances, each worthy of recognition. These characters are all flawed, layered people, just as Eastwood's West is a terrifying, brutal place to be. He changed the landscape of Westerns forever, and no matter how many modern films try to emulate him, there's not one that's come close to the sheer power of this film.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsGary CooperGrace KellyThomas MitchellA town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at "high noon" when the gang leader, an outlaw he "sent up" years ago, arrives on the noon train.
- DirectorHoward HawksArthur RossonStarsJohn WayneMontgomery CliftJoanne DruDunson leads a cattle drive, the culmination of over 14 years of work, to its destination in Missouri. But his tyrannical behavior along the way causes a mutiny, led by his adopted son.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsHenry FondaDana AndrewsMary Beth HughesWhen a posse captures three men suspected of killing a local farmer, they become strongly divided over whether or not to lynch the men.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJohn WayneJeffrey HunterVera MilesAn American Civil War veteran embarks on a years-long journey to rescue his niece from the Comanches after the rest of his brother's family is massacred in a raid on their Texas farm.
- DirectorMel BrooksStarsCleavon LittleGene WilderSlim PickensIn order to ruin a western town, a corrupt politician appoints a black Sheriff, who promptly becomes his most formidable adversary.While technically a comedy, this gut-busting film broke all the rules of censorship and brilliantly portrayed a non-romanticized Western setting probably closer to the real feelings in the west than any film had showed before. There are too many scenes to mention as the entire film keeps you laughing from beginning to end. It never pulls a punch, and slips in all sorts of Western references for the Western film lover ("You'd do it for Randolph Scott"). A terrific film full of unapologetic humor that you'll find yourself quoting for a long time.
- DirectorSergio LeoneStarsHenry FondaCharles BronsonClaudia CardinaleA mysterious stranger with a harmonica joins forces with a notorious desperado to protect a beautiful widow from a ruthless assassin working for the railroad.The one spaghetti Western to appear on my list, but I have reasons why. In all honesty, I have not sat down and watched the entirety of the others, and many of the films on this list were films I saw from a young age. I'm not saying the other spaghetti Westerns don't deserve a spot, I just am not as familiar with them. Moving on, this is a spectacularly epic film and is one of, if not the most, beautifully shot film on this list. The wide expanses of desert, the intentionally long takes, it all seems like more of a metaphor than concerned with telling a story. A risky move, but it's pulled off here by the astounding camerawork. The characters are all larger than life as well, and are each distinguishable symbols. In particular, perennial good guy Henry Fonda's turn as one of the nastiest villains I've ever seen on screen is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Charles Bronson's silent drifter, Jason Robard's mysterious gunslinger, and Claudia Cardinale's incredibly sexy and strong performance all make the film all he more alluring. By far the easiest Western to get through, I know many people who cannot stand the silences and pacing, but if that's your taste in films, this one cannot be missed.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsHenry FondaLinda DarnellVictor MatureAfter their cattle are stolen and their brother murdered, the Earp brothers have a score to settle with the Clanton family.
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsBurt LancasterKirk DouglasRhonda FlemingLawman Wyatt Earp and outlaw Doc Holliday form an unlikely alliance which culminates in their participation in the legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.After "My Darling Clementine", this film took a look at the titular gunfight. While pundits will complain that the fight itself is not historically accurate, it makes for a thrilling finale. While the buildup to the actual gunfight can drag and take a long time getting there, Burt Lancaster anchors Wyatt Earp in a steely-eyed, weary fashion that is captivating. Kirk Douglas steals the show though as the alcoholic, deadly gunslinger Doc Holliday, a smooth talker with an edge. Once the film gets to the finale, you will find it difficult to peel your eyes from the screen as the camerawork, the music, and the sounds make this one of the most memorable Western gunfights in film history.
- DirectorGeorge StevensStarsAlan LaddJean ArthurVan HeflinA weary gunfighter in 1880s Wyoming begins to envision a quieter life after befriending a homestead family with a young son who idolizes him, but a smoldering range war forces him to act.
- DirectorHugh WilsonStarsTom BerengerG.W. BaileyMarilu HennerThe Wild West goes wacko when the Greatest Fast-Drawin', Fancy-Dressin', Silver-Spurred, Geetar Playin', Singing Cowboy movie matinee idol Rex O'Herlihan hits the saddle in this cockeyed, affectionate send-up of the '40s B-movie Western.Probably the least recognized film on this list, this is one of my all time favorites from growing up. It was pretty much dismissed by critics when it opened, but if you're a fan of the old Westerns, this is a must-see. It brilliantly spoofs many of the tropes and cliches of Westerns from the 40's and 50's and is supported by a strong comic cast. The usually serious Tom Berenger is excellent as the straight-laced singing cowboy with the white hat, along with his hilarious sidekick superbly played by G.W. Bailey. Patrick Wayne also has a terrific bad guy role, as does Andy Griffith. Highlights include a saloon standoff, sidekick training, a "Who's on First" style scene, and a wonderful conclusion. Granted, it's not as polished or memorable as some of the classics it parodies, but it's a funny, heart-felt homage to them, and worth a viewing.