Thursday, October 1, 2009

Pale Rider (1985)

Director: Clint Eastwood. Cast: Clint Eastwood, Carrie Snodgress, Chris Penn, Richard Kiel. 115 min. Rated R. Western.

I have yet to see a Clint Eastwood western I haven't enjoyed. The quiet "Man With No Name" formula always seems to work, and "Pale Rider" is no exception. Not sure if Eastwood gave the spaghetti western its insidious attraction, or vice-versa, but apparently whatever Eastwood decides for a western becomes the rule - to the point that even his magenta-colored coat is likable. Only major problem: a very interesting and cunning villain is created throughout the film, but doesn't get the glamorous ending he deserves. And I was really curious to know what was hiding behind the Preacher's collar.

Mo says:

2 comments:

  1. As a nice attempt for reviving Western genre & reminding the great film of the past, Clint Eastwood worked good.But Overall I expected more and not impressed a lot, to me the plot & character , directing was similar to Sergio Leone & john ford but a little difference, more over the romance was too colorless & cliche-based!I liked vague feature of hero's past and the concept of"hero belongs nowhere "that is landmark of western genre, I liked the custom design of long coats and its scaring entrance and the scene of dancing man with shooting and i liked the constant sound of spur of preacher's boot while he was walking for the fight through the movie!

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  2. In terms of reviving the genre, I think Eastwood did a much better job a few years later in "The Unforgiven".

    And I'm still waiting to see an Eastwood-directed Western that's as well-done as good old Sergio's ...

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