Review of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) by Grant S — 04 Jan 2014
Superb movie. Every inch the all-time classic it is made out to be. John Huston doesn't put a foot wrong in a movie that it on the surface a Western- / adventure-epic, but deep down it is so much more than that. It is about greed, and how wealth corrupts, and what is important in life.
Even ignoring the deeper meaning, it is an excellent movie. Brilliant plot. Enthralling, not at all predictable and incredibly engaging. You are lead on a continuous, unflagging, adventure, where you care what happens to the characters, but have no idea how things will turn out.
Humphrey Bogart didn't get an Oscar nomination for his performance, but he deserved one. For once he isn't necessarily a good guy, and his portrayal of Dobbs' descent into paranoia and madness are incredible to behold. Superb performance by Bogart, and possibly his best. Only Casablanca, and maybe The Caine Mutiny, comes close, I think.
Good support from Tim Holt and Walter Huston. Walter Huston won Best Supporting Actor for his performance, which would make for a rare feat - a son directing his father to an Oscar-winning performance.
Surely one of the greatest movies ever made.
This review of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) was written by Grant S on 04 Jan 2014.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre has generally received very positive reviews.
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