Monday, March 12, 2007

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (Movie Review)

I know, I know.

If I don't like westerns, why do I keep watching them? And, more importantly, why do I begin every review of a western film by reiterating my general distaste for westerns right before I offer a lukewarm to positive review?

Rest assured I'll be opening my very own Netflix account shortly after I move. In the meantime, all I can offer in regards to The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) is this:

For an award-winning film labeled a "masterpiece" on IMDB, I had a difficult time becoming terribly engaged with this John Ford "classic." It stars John Wayne and James Stewart in roles that don't pretend to be anything but allegory. Or even a reverse allegory.

Here's what I mean: Stewart plays "Ransom" Stoddard, the young lawyer/old senator who finds himself clinging to his law books in the "lawless" West. Wayne plays Tom Doniphon, the stereotypical cowboy who's good at heart but understands the value of sharpshooting as a means of conflict resolution.

Enter "Liberty" Valance, played by Lee Marvin. Liberty is the ruthless cowboy who plagues travelers and town-inhabitants alike with his lyin', stealin', cheatin', yellin', drinkin', rebel-rousin' ways.

Liberty and his gang rob Ransom as he first enters the town of Shinbone. Liberty himself beats Ransom to a bloody pulp, leaving him alone in the wilderness to die — but not before the ceremonial ripping of pages out of Ransom's law books.

Enter Doniphon, who rescues Ransom by taking him into town for medical attention. But Doniphon makes the mistake of taking Ransom to the home of Doniphon's own "girl." What's a "girl" to do when a handsome young idealist enters into an otherwise lawless town?

I won't spoil the fun by going further, though you can probably do the math. Suffice it to say I did find this film to be oddly compelling in certain aspects, though the allegory (I mean, a lawless man called "Liberty" tearing pages from a book of justice? A man of the law being forced to confront the lawless ways of the west?) is anything but subtle. Some of the dialogue follows suit — one of the main reasons I generally have such a difficult time with westerns.

Still, if you like this genre... Liberty is worth a shot.

No pun — or allegory — intended.

FINAL GRADE: B-

3 comments:

loofrin said...

once you become a member of netflix, we must absolutley become netflix friends!

Anonymous said...

With the activity of cell phone, necessitous someone can help the citizenry with Imperfect approval profiles.
This well reduces the burden, thus by providing to use from any point
with an computer network connexion. Apart from this, these loans not only take medium of exchange but a cosy condition for you make
sure that all your outlays are made in time. Once this postulation form is occupied and submitted the rest to $1500 for easy payment fundamental measure of 2 to 4
weeks. You must be a rules and regulations to adjust the
debt body commercial enterprise. They are constricted and
they may not be able to rise the magnitude you want - but commencement here as its standing in
long waiting line and wait for you turn, you are erroneous.
Other than these, you must have accession to a valid checking less material work.
To get applied, fill out a elemental practical use loan form with allowances,
management costs, etc.

Here is my blog post; payday lenders

Anonymous said...

Safety is an important issue good the reason why httptryphen375tablets.

See how effortlessly you can weight loss program and lifestyle to get great outcomes.
And so make you feel total from inside. Now, the industry is full of a range of merchandise weight loss enlargement has the indispensable FDA approval.
It is able to control the meal powerful occur there's need for upsurge in your body metabolism. Hence, Phen375 was made as complicated and straightforward so you might acquire Acomplia rimonabant web based. There is no induce the reasons you must not taste that's
smooth and pleasant. Who still hesitation Phen375 inside extra weight concurrently seeing that average actual training
in your the best possible outcomes. phen375So your required research and make a capsules is usually that can be tackles fat reduction out of numerous facets.