Review of One-Eyed Jacks (1961) by Nate W — 19 Jul 2010
"One-Eyed Jacks" is a typical revenge story, but by no means a typical Western, elevated by a slew of strong performances, no doubt influenced by Marlon Brando's direction, this being his directorial debut.
Obviously, he's the star, but the real standout is Karl Malden. Cast against type as a two-faced sheriff who abuses his power to satisfy a personal vendetta against Brando's character, he commands the screen without ever becoming a caricature villain.
He even seems to be taking cues from Brando's own style of method acting, and it's one of his best performances. The film retains the mythology of classic Westerns, but relishes in moral ambiguities and touches on themes seen more often in the revisionist Westerns that would proliferate later, and is a good early example of the transition of the genre.
This review of One-Eyed Jacks (1961) was written by Nate W on 19 Jul 2010.
One-Eyed Jacks has generally received positive reviews.
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