Wednesday 20 May 2009

Warlock



Synopsis
: The good people of Warlock need a decent marshal after Ricky Widmark (who looks likes a grown up Peter the goad herd off of the '70s, German version of Heidi) et al enjoy too much of the thug life and send the previous incumbent packing. Henry Fonda and Anthony Quinn turn up to do the right thing. The goat herd, sorry, Ricky W then decides he wants to reform and then the two 'goodies' start twisting our minds too (are they good, bad or mixed up?).

Ooh, and the lady from the stage with the cherries on her hat knows Henry Fonda.

Lots of moral complexity in this one. Spectrums of good and bad in each character highlighting the choices we make and the consequences they have. Back to existentialism? I haven't read the chapter in Sartre on ethics but I'm sure he says lots about this. Not Warlock, but, you know, good and bad and stuff.

I liked the symmetry between Ricky W and his woman with her past and vengeance ishooz and Henry Fonda and his virginal, innocent lady friend who confesses to only having ever tasted whisky once (pah! the wuss). You see, Ricky has reformed and we see his difficulty in trying to do good cos he doesn't think his bad mates are any good any more. Then on the other hand we've got Henry F who has had checkered past to say the least but has somehow ended up being a symbol of decency.

The other interesting thing about this film is the relationship between Henry F and Anthony Quinn (Javier Bardem's long-lost, silver-haired father). Deffo some homoerotic action going on here. Not in an overt, sexual way, but in a we've-been-there-for-each-other-forevah kind of way. End of the film is ace, with Henry shooting his old mate, laying him out on a roulette table then setting him on fire. Best friends forever, right?

Also, look out for DeForest Kelly (you know, that one from Star Trek) as one of the baddies. He's not very convincing, being about as camp as a row of tents.

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053434/

Monday 4 May 2009

Broken Arrow



Synopsis
: Buzzards. Jimmy Stewart plays ex military scout who, whilst panning for gold in Arizona, comes across an injured Apache and saves his life. Other Apache get to know and he becomes trusted friend to Apache chief Cochise (Jeff Chandler) and falls in love with a young Apache woman, Morningstar (Debra Paget). Other Apache involved in the Apache/U.S. war break away from Cochise and are led by Geronimo and try to destroy a fragile peace agreement. The murder of Morningstar by some baddy Whitemen ends in a stronger resolve from Cochise to keep the peace. The End.
Lesson learnt: Give peace a chance.

I love Jimmy Stoowart and he's great in this; very stoical, very serious and full of emotion. It's a good film to focus on war and how enemies treat each other. It doesn't pull any punches with scenes of torture of what basically are POWs. It's all a bit Dances with Wolves but without being six hours long and having to endure Kevin Costner. It even allows Jimmy to fall in love with an actual Apache rather than a white woman interloper. The only sticking point is the Natives speaking English but this is explained first thing by Jimmy. Jeff Chandler outshines Jimmy in many scenes with his holier than thou Apache wise man act and is fantastic. I don't think I've ever seen a straighter face or stronger brow.

There's also a proper focus on racism (and this in 1950) from both sides but particularly white racism. The white folk are even eager to string up Stewart due to his fraternizing with the Apache and making promises of peace to them. There are many scenes that highlight this with discussions between Cochise, Stewart and Gen. Howard (nice, kindly U.S. Army General) about how the Americans would promise to treat any Apache or Americans caught being naughty (with the rule of law etc.). The difference between the older, towny racist folk and the enlightened Stewart and Howard is made explicit time and time again.

Not sure how much of this is historically accurate but good to see in 1950 a film highlighting these issues.

Great bit of comedy with Stewart and Gen. Howard are eating in a teepee, Gen. Howard asks:

"This is delicious, what is it?"
"Pony"
""Pony". What sort of meat is "pony"?"
"Ah...a pony is a small horse"

Also, it's always interesting to see Jimmy Stewart in a romantic role, especially with the young (and brightly white toothed) Debra Paget. I can kind of see what he's got going on and it's heartwarming to see him and his wife on the way to their honeymoon tent to "listen to the brook all night". Ahem.

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042286/