Review of The Left Handed Gun (1958) by Jesse K — 30 Aug 2014
Despite the film's author, Gore Vidal's, statement that this film is "a film only someone French could like." Arthur Penn's thoughtful retelling of the Billy the Kid legend is an interesting film that is considerably different than most westerns of the time.
In his feature directorial debut, this film has more in common with the revisionist westerns of the late 60s and early 70s, presenting a much less romanticized version of the old west and the legend of Billy the Kid.
Newman is fine in the role of Billy and give a performance that's more akin to James Dean in "Rebel Without a Cause" than it does a typical James Steward or Glenn Ford western performance.
John Dehner gives a fine performance as Pat Garrett, and look fast for James Best and Denver Pyle in supporting roles. Not a perfect film, but it's one that's always kind of fascinated me.
This review of The Left Handed Gun (1958) was written by Jesse K on 30 Aug 2014.
The Left Handed Gun has generally received mixed reviews.
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