Review of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) by Alex K — 05 Aug 2013

It's a fine film in it's construction, but it reeks of Classic Hollywood Western, which some would appreciate but I unfortunately can't help but find cheesy and off putting. I would also like it more if it didn't feel like half the film consisted of unnecessary scenes and some of the same masturbatory bureaucratic bullshit that turned me off of Mr.

Smith Goes to Washington. It also annoys me to no end that a film called the Man Who Shot Liberty Valance isn't so much about the titular act as it is about a man getting elected to the senate, despite the small crossover the two events have.

That being said, Ford's film making really shines in a few occasions, and Wayne commands every scene he's in. While it's probably heralded as a classic for a reason, I found it to be a silly, messy, and sadly boring film.