Review of Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) by Chris W — 28 Mar 2012

Disclaimer: I saw the 1988 Turner Preview version of this film, which is 122 minutes long, and, unlike the compromised theatrical version, is supposedly the closest thing to Peckinpah's original intention for this film, which was a very troubled production.

That being said, I'm still very mixed on this film. I wanna say that I really enjoyed it, and that I do kinda recommend it, but at the same time, it's still a flawed film, even if this version is apparently better than the original. So, I have some hesitation fully recommending it, but still think that you might wanna at least try to give it a watch, since there are some good elements.

The stroy here is a rendition of the classic story about legendary outlaw, and his relationship to his former friends turned enemy lawman Pat Garrett. It was Peckinpah's final western, and, like many westerns made in the 70s, it's very reflective of the time ot was made, and reeks of very melancholy and elegiac overtones.

This is a lyrical and somewhat poetic film, and I like that there is a blend of action and character development, but the way it's done, it's like, damn, who knew that Peckinpah could actually be kinda boring? Boring shouldn't really be associated with Bloody Sam unless you also throw in the word "not".

Yet, there it is. This film is pretty slow, and though it is only 122 minutes, it feels a lot longer. I find it odd that this version is apparently what Sam was really going for, but hey, I never knew him personally, so maybe I shouldn't judge him too harshly. I love the cinematography though, because it is excellent, and the washed out grainy look is very fitting, The film has a very notable and talented cast, but their performances, though not bad, are kinda underwhelming, and do leave something to be desired. Bob Dylan's score, likewise, though not terrible, is also not as epic as it could have been.

When Andrew Dominik made his Jesse James film, which is very similar to this, I loved it. Maybe it's because I wasn't used to his work, and had nothing to compare it to, like I do with this one. Perhaps I shouldn't be doing that, but hey, I don't know what to say. There are some really great moments, but I think the film could have just told this eic tale in a less meandering and heady fashion.