Review of High Plains Drifter (1973) by Chii P — 10 Oct 2010

After watching the castrating 'Eclipse,' I needed to watch something testosterone laced, darker and that aimed higher than making money from Hollywood. What better to fill that need than an Eastwood fix.

High Plains Drifter was just what I needed to start the day off right. Eastwood's character of 'The Stranger' had me on his side the whole way, even when I shouldn't have liked certain moves.

How I still enjoyed his character after some of the shit he pulled in this movie is beyond me but that's Eastwood for ya! His no bull-shit approach is a lot more appealing than the pussies I find in most mainstream movies as of late, that's for sure.

The movie starts off with a bang and then gradually sets up and reveals a mystery at a respectable, but non-slow pace. At the end, when everything was revealed, it exploded with an action packed and highly suspenseful last third, which worked on me like catnip.

Eastwood kept the movie stunning in the camera, even with the ugly surroundings he had to work with (the town and desert mixed with nature shots). Furthermore, even though it was Hollywood, it was kept gritty and up front, always making me more involved.

Though for dream sequences, he added an artsy touch which was always appreciated. Definitely lived up to his previous effort 'Play Misty for Me'. As for his acting, well, I can tell here why this many became an action star.

Always cool, confident and a sense of sympathy behind most characters he plays, here was no exception. Excellent. Verna Bloom came through acting wise and the same can be said to Marianna Hill. Kudos to both ladies.

Mitchell Ryan rocked it. Bringing presence to what should've been a small role and making him stand out. Billy Curtis was extremely likable as The Stranger's only friend. Geoffrey Lewis was menacing as the main bad guy that I loved to hate.

on top of this there is some nutso ideas that had me more intrigued, a screenplay that covered all the bases, a score that added to the suspense and many plays with sounds and you get a classic Western if not classic film.

Even those who aren't a fan of Westerns, but of dark/messed up movies should check this one out.