Review of Pale Rider (1985) by Martin S — 01 Aug 2008
Though not a great Western, Pale Rider is a fine example of revisionism within the genre. Even though Westerns were long out of vogue in 1985, Eastwood did a good job of restoring some popularity back onto the genre which made him famous (even though he hadn't made a Western himself at this point for a decade).
The character of the Preacher (Eastwood) is a prime example of the cool, confident gunfighter character, similar to Eastwood's own the Man With No Name, but less pissed off.
Ultimately, Pale Rider seems like a remake of Shane, though the Biblical, even supernatural undertones make it completely unique. Is the Preacher a ghost? An angel? Or is he Death riding on the white horse of the Apocolypse - that is, the pale rider?
Highly entertaining, well shot, nicely acted (Michael Moriarty is superb, as usual), and finely paced.
This review of Pale Rider (1985) was written by Martin S on 01 Aug 2008.
Pale Rider has generally received positive reviews.
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