Review of The Searchers (1956) by Mike C — 28 Jun 2010

I loved this film - "That'll be the day." Really, quite disappointed. I've seen a fair share of westerns and this seemed to me about average at best. It is really the inspiration behind so many classics? If it is, it is, but it is very interesting and odd that this of all movies would inspire anyone. Westerns usually have one of a few story lines so no complaint there, but I think we have to admit, if we knew anyone like Wayne's character, we'd have to say he's an asshole and I would hope distance ourselves from him. That was a big turnoff for me, much like mobster movies, where I simply cannot stand the protagonist.

As for the shooting/acting/writing, again, average at best. Oh look, a landscape. That is hardly brilliant, and I've seen plenty of movies with better use of land. Acting is often bad in westerns so no real complaint there, but again I wonder how this becomes a classic when others do not. The line when he gets Debbie is pretty cool but really out of place given the rest of the movie.

There was one funny scene: where Wayne smells the alcohol and instead of drinking it, pours it on the fire where it explodes because it is some pretty nasty stuff. And where the guy says "unhand my fiance" but it sounds more like finance.

I didn't even touch the racist stuff, but I think it definitely contributes to my ill feelings about this one.