Review of Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) by J W — 28 Jun 2013

Genuine Peckinpah. A brilliantly paced and acted film (despite Bob Dylan's irrelevance), Coburn and Kristoffersen are equal parts rugged and charming. Unlike a lot of Westerns before it, this is a beautifully shot film and along with Dylan's finest contribution to the film, the soundtrack, it really stands out from the crowd.

You've seen the Billy The Kid story play out before, if you're a Gen X'er you're more than likely familiar with the Emilio Estevez version, but this is probably the best version out there.

A casual look through the cast list and you'll find very few of them are still alive and kicking. A sobering reminder of my own mortality, mirrored by Pat Garrett's realization that everything changes.

For better or for worse.