Review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) by Michael G — 16 Oct 2009
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is one of those movies where you recognize its greatness as you watch it, but at the same time you know you're watching a really well-orchestrated gruesome car crash that you probably don't ever, ever need to see again.
Jane Fonda radiates brassy bitchiness to the point of arousal (for me at least), Gig Young glistens with sliminess and Sydney Pollack's direction is superb. Especially during the jarring race sequences.
I knew there'd be a certain level of bleakness involved with a movie about horrifically desperate people in an almost sadistic marathon dance contest, but enduring the movie seemed nearly as painful as being in the contest.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a fantastic movie even if it floundered a little bit toward the middle. But that last 10 minutes made the movie in spades...
This review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) was written by Michael G on 16 Oct 2009.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? has generally received very positive reviews.
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