What constitutes a modern day western? If a film is 60 years old can we still call it modern day? Okay if we were to say if a film had automobiles in it then its modern day? No we cant really say that because they HAD automobiles as far back as the late 1800's. Right we will say any film made after WW2 and set in the American west ,with cowboys constitutes a modern day western. Now we have that settled, it means I can include BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK. It was set in the aftermath of WW2 .Directed by JOHN STURGES in 1955 it starred SPENCER TRACY, ROBERT RYAN and a relatively young LEE MARVIN (the writer bows his head with solemn respect). A fine film that dealt with racism , prejudice and dark secrets it won huge critical acclaim in its day.
These films (modern day westerns) always intrigued me. As with all westerns you see wide open country and guys in cowboy hats and boots but more than likely they will be driving a pick up instead of riding a horse. Like CLINT EASTWOOD in COOGAN'S BLUFF directed by DON SIEGEL which was about an Arizona sheriff in the big city ,New York, on the trail of a bad guy played by DON STROUD ,who always played bad guys.Before that there was HUD directed by MARTIN RITT and starring PAUL NEWMAN unfortunately I never saw this so I cant really write about it!
In the last 10 to 15 years though we have been treated to some really good modern day westerns. Because it won a bunch of Oscars we have to start with NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. A brilliant book and film. Although the ending ,which was the same in both, was a bit mysterious. This is no surprise considering the book was written by CORMAC McCARTHY , there are no less than 7 adaptations of his work ( 1 play 6 books) either produced or in pre-production. The film was directed by THE COEN BROTHERS whom I wont say anymore about now because they will get a whole H.A.V.O.C. to themselves sometime soon.With two great actors in the lead roles (JAVIER BARDEM & JOSH BROLIN) all the supporting roles were equally well acted . A curious fact about this film is that it had no incidental music, this is strange considering its makers , THE COENS ,used music to such great effect in their previous films.
The main action in what is essentially a chase film ends in El Paso. Good ole El Paso! Bad things always happen to cowboys in El Paso. I was sure having seen the trailer etc. for KILL BILL2 that that film was going to be a western set in El Paso as you know it wasn't , I was disappointed but I got over it.
THE 3 BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA written by GUILLERMO ARRIAGA and directed by TOMMY LEE JONES was a brilliant M.D.W.( you know you know). It had country singer DWIGHT YOAKAM in a supporting role and in a terrific cameo role the singer and drummer with THE BAND (who MARTIN SCORCESE made THE LAST WALTZ about) was LEVON HELM. Its worth seeing , even buying.
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE , which also won an Oscar , and starred VIGGO MORTENSON was my favourite film of 2005. This film was basically a modern reworking of HIGH NOON ,a film where a man with a past has to do what hes gotta do to save his family. Careful though its not for the faint hearted, the clue is in the title.
Another of my favourites of recent times is THE WAY OF THE GUN starring RYAN PHILLIPE (former pretty boy) and BENICIO DEL TORO (never pretty boy) as two kidnappers.This was written and directed by CHRIS McQUARRIE who also wrote the script for THE USUAL SUSPECTS. This film even goes so far as to name its principal characters Parker and Longbaugh which were the actual surnames of BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID. All this leads to one place or person SAM PECKINPAH. All Sam's westerns were M.D.W. even if they weren't modern day if you know what I mean? You don't ? Ah well here's a list of some of his best.
RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY- THE WILD BUNCH
- THE BALLAD OF CABLE HOGUE
- JUNIOR BONNER
- THE GETAWAY
- PAT GARRET & BILLY THE KID
- BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA
So long
Hugh Hyland
