My recent (and likely umpteenth) viewing of one of my all-time favorite westerns on
Turner Classic Movies, William Wyler's
The Big Country, had the whole family involved some weekends back. It was the first time for both of my children (an experience which they loved, btw). My wife, too, sat through and enjoyed it -- a rare event for only a small number of films, it seems. Not surprisingly, it's considered the thinking man's western. Succinctly, it is a film that makes grand use of the adjective in its title by virtue of the expansive landscape it captured (delivered in glorious widescreen via the Technirama film process) and the subject matter the director successfully portrayed in its storytelling.
"What raises The Big Country above a trite critique of contemporary politics and lends it a timeless relevance is the fact that it’s also an examination of man (or should I say men) and what he’s made of." ~ Livius
The rest of this post has been updated and moved to my current blog, found
here.
I have to say it's extraordinarily kind of you to reference my post so extensively. I'm glad to hear you had the pleasure of seeing this in the company of your loved ones, and that they enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that this film still managed to become one of the great westerns, even one of the great movies, despite the often chaotic nature of its production. That in itself speaks volumes about the talent and skill of all those involved. And it does really grow on you - the more I see it, the more I take away from it.
I'm also glad that you gave due credit to Chuck Connors as he does tend to get overlooked but his part, and his playing, is central to the story.
Thanks again man.
You're very much welcome, my friend. Your post was one of the best film reviews I read this year. That it happened to be a review covering one of my all-time favorite films made it doubly great. My thanks for letting me ride your coattails on this, Colin.
ReplyDeleteThis is one that somehow managed to slip under my radar. I skipped the last part of your post to avoid the spoilers (thanks for the warning on that, BTW). I'm going to have to check this one out sometime, it looks like a great flick. It has a fantastic cast and a top notch director. Thanks for bringing this movie to my attention.
ReplyDeleteYes, if you enjoy the western genre (especially those of the dramatic 50s), this one is not to be missed, John. Please come back after you've seen it and let me know what you think. My thanks, as always.
ReplyDeleteI always liked this old film but haven't seen it in years. The fight scene between Peck and Heston was one of the best ever.
ReplyDeleteVery good point, Jim. Wyler framed and choreographed that sequence expertly... using only the sounds of the actual fight for the audio backdrop. Thanks so much for your comment, my friend.
ReplyDeleteStill haven't seen all of this -- waiting for blu-ray or a big screen. But I own and adore the Jerome Moross soundtrack (who performed another great western score for THE VALLY OF THE GWANGI)
ReplyDeleteThis one is a classic and well worth seeing on something that will deliver on its widescreen grandeur. I'm with you on the Moross soundtrack (and I'll have to revisit the Valley of the Gwangi). This one along with the Elmer Bernstein Magnificent Seven score are the most iconic for the western genre, I think. Thanks, christian.
ReplyDeleteToby over at 50 Westerns from the '50s reported this great news over the weekend:
ReplyDelete50s Westerns Blu-ray News #46: The Big Country (1958)
WOO-HOO!