Review of Shane (1953) by Ed T — 14 Sep 2011

In 1953, director George Stevens achieved a what so many attempt and so few succeed at. He made a perfect masterpiece, a monument in the world of cinema. It is a compassionate story of redemption and courage. The entire flow of the film is thoughtful and done with a certain amount of class. We all know who the good guys are and we know who the bad guys are. I admire the old fashioned straightforward story here and perhaps mostly because it is seen and felt through the eyes of the Oscar nominated role of little Joey. To see young Brandon De Wilde's fascination with Shane (the exceptional Alan Ladd) is a rare look at innocence at its most delicate. The way the relationships are captured is so clean and graceful and nothing is unnecessary, it all means so much.

Giving up on his gun fighting days, Shane comes upon a small home in Wyoming. He quickly comes to the aid of the family (Van Heflin, Jean Arthur, and De Wilde) and goes to work for them while strong bonds form immediately. It is obvious that a strong-armed cattle rancher wants everyone off "his land". The struggle is fierce and finally the rancher brings in a hired gun named Jack Wilson (Jack Palance) to handle his dirty work and clear off anyone set on staying. The main focus is clearly on Shane trying to form a family like relationship with his new-found friends. The magic is between Shane and everyone he comes into contact with. But Shane will ultimately have to decide on leaving his guns laid down or picking them back up again in order for many families to settle in and make room for generations to come in this nice, quiet part of the country.

The whole flow and timing of the film is divine. Its inspiring to viewers and filmmakers alike. Ladd calmly slides in and out of the camera so loosely and yet he has the undeniable silent, tough guy persona. One of my favorite scenes is when he orders two shots, presumably for he and Ben Johnson, and then proceeds to start a wild bar fight. Unanimously regarded as one of the best heroes off all time (American Film Institute for example) Shane represents so many different character traits. On one hand, he's a skilled gun slinger but also a quiet and polite gentleman. He's trying to turn over a new leaf and yet he can't quit the lifestyle he has become accustomed to (as he later explains to young Joey). The supporting cast, especially De Wilde and Palance play pivotal parts. Equally as quiet and deadly as Shane is the killer in black played by Palance. He is the devil in the flesh and everyone knows it. What a great villain. I love how the dog can sense bad things boiling and leaves whenever Palance begins to speak or move. But perhaps one of the most important aspects of Shane is De Wilde and his exposure to Shane and the events surrounding him. When a loud noise makes Shane jump and reach for his gun, the young actor's face is lit up with sheer fright and wonder. Everything is done perfectly here. Simply put, Stevens directs a masterpiece and everything we could have ever hoped and dreamed for shines brightly. There's no other film like Shane. (A+).