Review of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) by Ryan H — 27 Feb 2008

I've heard a lot about this film since I really got into films about 5 years ago, but I never did get around to actually watching it. Well now that I have I must say its one of the few films that is worth the wait. Its surprising how often I find myself let down upon revisiting films that were well before my time, but in this case I was more than happy to be wrong. Stewart and Wayne are simply great, even if they play the characters they have for as long as their characters are old. I was surprised to see just how dark and unique this film looks at the typical western, with an ending that isn't exactly uplifting as much as thought provoking. Of course it is hard to not use the words great and John Ford in the same sentence, but hey if I were to name directors who have earned it - it would be impossible not to put him on the list. The film does play to many of the stereotypes and cliches westerns are known for, but it manages to do so with a realism and grittyness not often found in films before its era.

The film also contains one of the great, yet overlooked, lines of all time in "when the legend becomes fact, print the legend." A testiment to far more then it was probably meant to, and yet reigns so true in the film that it is as important as every scene leading up too it. If you're looking for a great classic western and have yet to see this film, I definately recommend it.