Peckinpah's early masterpiece, "Ride the High Country," starring

Posted by tinear (A) on May 25, 2009 at 10:46:57

the aging actors Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott.
Not much to say here: the film showcases not only brilliant Panavision cinematography but a rousing story which covers what would be recurring themes in the Peckinpah oeuvre: loyalty; the disappearing Western American way of life; the challenge of keeping one's beliefs in a violent world.
With most Westerns, one must suspend belief. In this one, McCrea and Scott are so natural that the outcomes seem as irresistible as those of a Greek tragedy.
Unlike Ford's black-and-white world, that of Peckinpah is nuanced, fraught with gray areas. In Europe, the film was a smash immediately upon release, besting Fellini's "8 1/2" in both Belgian and Parisian film awards. In the US, the modernization of the Western took a bit longer to become popular but finally the film has been placed alongside the greatest of the genre.
The DVD has several excellent extras, especially an extended interview with the director's sister who gives fascinating insight into Sam's formative years on the ranch, in the service, and in the industry.

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Topic - Peckinpah's early masterpiece, "Ride the High Country," starring - tinear 10:46:57 05/25/09 (17)

Well ... - Mike K 07:11:05 05/31/09 (0)

RE:Thanks... - powermatic 11:02:51 05/29/09 (0)

RE: Peckinpah's early masterpiece, "Ride the High Country," starring - patrickU 05:07:25 05/26/09 (3)

This is early Sam. No. Not "too violent." nt - tinear 07:37:01 05/26/09 (2)

RE: This is early Sam. No. Not "too violent." nt - patrickU 07:42:04 05/26/09 (1)

... - Audiophilander 21:57:02 05/26/09 (0)

And what a story he told in 94 minutes - danj 22:43:41 05/25/09 (10)

Like Patrick, I'm not a huge fan of Peck's work, especially the older, slow-motion - tinear 07:38:13 05/26/09 (9)

RE: Like Patrick, I'm not a huge fan of Peck's work, especially the older, slow-motion - patrickU 13:08:09 05/27/09 (0)

The Wild Bunch is one of the best westerns ever.. - tunenut 14:14:33 05/26/09 (1)

Agree, it's a masterpiece. nt - Dave Mester 17:39:17 05/26/09 (0)

I see your point - danj 12:44:52 05/26/09 (5)

In a way, it's apples and oranges - eppis1 17:58:51 05/26/09 (3)

"McCabe and Mrs. Miller," Altman's Western, may have been the best of the bunch. nt - tinear 20:24:15 05/26/09 (2)

Agree.... - powermatic 10:57:54 05/29/09 (1)

How can you fail to mention - tinear 21:11:50 05/30/09 (0)

You've hit on a fundamental point, actually. I'd argue that - tinear 13:36:49 05/26/09 (0)

Peckinpah's early masterpiece, "Ride the High Country," starring

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