Yesterday in my effort to remember Robert Redford's awesome career, I left the impression that I did not like Westerns. This is probably because I flat out said Westerns were not my thing... as a kid. But that kid did grow into a teenager and eventually a man (unless you ask my family, they still think I am basically a big child).
Why were these cowboys wearing their jammies? Who knows?
Even my statement that I didn't like them as a kid wasn't entirely true. I LOVED The Magnificent Seven when I was a kid. I still remember using my Playmobil cowboys to act out that movie for hours on end. I now realize it is just a remake of The Seven Samurai, but as a kid it was one of the most exciting and flat out cool movies I had ever seen. I also remember watching Clint Eastwood's "man With No Name" in the Dollars trilogy but I think I was too young to thoroughly enjoy the slow burn of those movies.
But then 1985 hit. It was perfect timing for a young teenager like me to get to witness the rebirth of The Western. That year, two of my favorite Westerns of all time were released. Both Pale Rider and Silverado were amazing movies that were packed with action and great characters. If you haven't seen either one, they are a must watch no matter what genre is your favorite.
But those were only the appetizer for what I feel is the greatest Western of all time: Unforgiven. If you want incredible heroes and villains, look no further. My god I still hate Gene Hackman's Little Bill. Not only does this movie tell an amazing story of some over the hill gunslingers, but it also includes a lot of action. But best of all is one of the most memorable endings i have ever seen. Clint Eastwood was, is and always will be a badass.
Although there have been some very good Westerns in the 2000s none are as good as those three. But I will give an honorable mention to True Grit (2010) and 3:10 to Yuma (2007). Both of these movies were remarkable. They too were exciting and filled with great characters. I'd watch them again right now... but only after watching Unforgiven.
Many might think I'm accidentally living out Tarantino's Hateful Eight, but that is on purpose. I did not like that movie. It was too long and slow. The only thing I really enjoyed was seeing it at a special theater in Chicago in 70mm. That made it an event more than just a movie.
As fart as the small screen, I'd strongly recommend Deadwood and I absolutely loved Godless.
Giddyup!
What's your favorite Western?
