Review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) by Ryan M — 18 Feb 2009

So deeply cynical it's almost frightening, but the film is handled masterfully enough that it's a hell of an experience in spite of all the bitterness it oozes. Every twist in the story arrives exactly on time, and the revelations therein have this startingly inevitable quality, such that by the time you get to the nausea-inducing climax all you can do is nod your head and agree with Sarrazin's penultimate line.

Few films throw as many punches as this one without hazarding a stab at redemption, but when there is no redemption (and truly, for Fonda and company in this film redemption is unthinkable) then no punches should be pulled.

Gig Young is a glorious scum bag, and Sarrazin is a fantastically waifish sort of sadsack. Fonda is Fonda, plain and simple (caustic, earthy, alluring, and desperate).The images are consistently evocative, and I don't think there are any wrong notes.

See it and ruin your day in the best way possible.