Review of Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973) by Monsieur R — 05 Oct 2010

An often used theme of the West in change with the outlaws becoming lawmen. Friends Pat Garrett and the Kid reunite on the trail a few years after being employed by Texas king rancher John Chisum.

[For those of you that know your John Wayne films, "Chisum" was one of Wayne's later films. In that film we had Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid working for Chisum (John Wayne). It would be good to watch "Chisum" first and then this film second.].

James Coburn as Pat Garrett, reluctant lawman working for Chisum and other Texas ranchers, hire Pat to chase Billy the Kid. Coburn does his usual great job. But Kris Kristofferson, songwriter, should have never been cast in this role. He does the best he can, but its not up to par with veteran Coburn.

Next, the question of just why Bob Dylan is cast in this film? He has a few sparse parts, does them pretty awkwardly. He can't look into the camera either. His soundtrack in the film is the song Knocking on Heavens Door, popular in the day.

The bullets fly from Billy the Kid's six gun, rifle and anything else he can fire, with him never recieving a scratch.

We have a cast of veteran supporting actors in this as well. Jack Elam, Chill Wills (a John Wayne favorite) and Slim Pickens and several others Western fans will recognize.

There is even an appearance at the end of the film by a television sherrif of The Rifleman, Mica Torrence. His real name escapes me.

This is a rather slow paced Western, but realistic. No fancy neckerchiefs, no silver six guns, and thankfully none of the modern day, floor length Western overcoats we see way too much lately.

I would rate this pretty good as a Western, shockingly violent for the year it was released. Almost every scene is a confrontation with somebody resulting in a shoot out in slow motion, Peckinpah's trademark.

I like Peckinpah's work generally, but this film found shooting scenes dominating the drama. The ending, of course, is worth waiting for, but we know what will happen.