Review of The Hired Hand (1971) by Chad S — 30 Dec 2014

This is definitely not the type of film that will appeal to mass audiences. This moody and very slow western film is nevertheless beautifully shot, bathed in one of the most amazing cinematography possible.

The cast is really good and manages to feel authentic in every situations. It's a far cry from the usual action packed western films that tend to glorify the old west, while here everything feels rough and dusty, life seems to only hold by a string and men are like hungry wolf, dry and quiet.

I'm very glad I had the opportunity to watch this film because it's filled with amazing allegories, symbolisms and the dialogues are quite smart. The scene between Fonda and Bloom breathe an authenticity and a bitterness rarely achieved in films.

This is an excellent film from another era depicting a time that has long been forgotten by all of us. Beautiful and unique.