Review of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) by Tom H — 22 Mar 2010
This is all John Ford. The conflicting ideas of Truth and the Perception of Truth have never been so relevant and Ford was a master of this type of thematic intricacy. 'Who killed Liberty Valance and why is it important?' is a question that shows us who we are better than any ten books on Psychology.
I like John Wayne in very few films, but this is Wayne in a role with nuance playing to the actor's strengths and away from stereotype. Ford was Wayne's best director and he elicits a depth of emotion from the actor that is rarely seen.
Lee Marvin does a remarkable job balancing the story as the malevolent Valance. He's scary enough that when he's killed you feel the relief. Watch the movie more than once and then try telling a friend that the story is a simple "Western".
A great story, portrayed by great actors in their prime.
This review of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) was written by Tom H on 22 Mar 2010.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has generally received very positive reviews.
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