Review of Appaloosa (2008) by Karen F — 20 Feb 2010

INTROSPECTIVE LOOK AT MALE FRIENDSHIP --.

This cinematographically beautiful Western examines male friendship, and specifically the type of bonding in which one man calls the shots but depends for his strength on a fiercely loyal sidekick. Ed Harris is great in the role of Virgil Cole, the top dog. But it is Viggo Mortensen, in the role of faithful underling Everett Hitch, whose brilliant acting really makes the movie. (His past starring roles have been as Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and David Shaw in A Pefect Murder; he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Eastern Promises.) This role highlights Mortensen's intelligence; he is a rather eclectic fellow in real life, being a poet, musician, photographer, and painter, in addition to an outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq. His off-screen friendship with director Harris also undoubtedly helped their on-screen energy.

Robert B. Parker, who is better known for his prolific crime writing, wrote the novel. Although emotional rather than sexual, the deep bond between the two gunfighters has homosexual undertones; when Virgil's girlfriend comes on to Everett, Everett tells her, "No, we're both with him." Parker's sympathetic portrayal of this issue is a theme running through his novels; both of his sons are openly gay.

The supporting cast is also excellent: Renee Zellweger as Allison French (the woman who tests their friendship) and Jeremy Irons as the intellectual and well-connected bad guy, rancher Randall Bragg.

You don't have to be a fan of Westerns to enjoy this movie; the themes are universal. Watch for the mountain lion in the train scene; it's a breathtaking shot.