Scott Barnett

Flawed? Yes Inconsistent? Yes Violent? Yes Complex? Yes Sensitive? Yes Intriguing? Yes Raw? Yes Brilliant? Absolutely If you can handle Peckinpah and you see his genius, this is the quintessential Sam. In your face melodrama combined with a pathos that reaches into you and shakes you. Not his best but up there.

I am amazed at anyone who sees this film as long or overacted or "just pretty photography". The racism is integral to the story. Without it, there is no moral lesson to be learned. Wayne's performance is extraordinary and Ford's direction is brilliant. His framing is unparalelled. It is unquestionably the best work of this country's best director. Best western? Absolutely. Best film ever made? Very possibly...