Review of The Wild Bunch (1969) by Jon-James H — 08 Sep 2012

Oh ambiguity, how we love you. The key strength of the Wild Bunch lies in its championing of the anti-hero, taking a group of merciless killers (or are they?) and developing their personalities as the film progresses. Past lives are revealed, through moments of introspection by it's lead characters, that appear as a series of flashbacks, chronicling the choices that led the bunch to the present day. As each character breaks free of their stereotypical mould, the layers are peeled back, and the human that lurks below is carefully revealed, making for a very engrossing story.

The film's central theme is about the choices we make, and how they define who we are. At several points during it's 148 minutes, the film stops at the proverbial fork in the road to offer its protagonists two distinct possibilities. Not only does this kickstart the viewers' imagination, but it also establishes a connection with the characters that elevates them above the 'common criminal'.

The film isn't without its flaws. It doesn't stand the test of time so well, with its overplayed motifs. Even though the flashbacks are done well, the editing ninjas were all too visible in some clumsily stuck together scenes. There's a few plot holes left unfilled as the denouement begins. However, the characters and the script more than compensate for the few flaws the film has, and it serves as a perfect reference for an engaging character study.

Visually the Wild Bunch doesn't come close to Once Upon a Time in the West, but it does excel where many others have failed. I wouldn't watch it again, but I would certainly emulate its strengths in my own productions.