Review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) by Audrey L — 26 May 2008
Pollack's masterpiece,in my humble opinion...
This is a difficult film to watch and is impossible to forget.Based on the novel by the same name,They Shoot Horses Don't They, is set in 1930's depression era USA, when dance marathons provided a means by which to earn small amounts of money by sheer endurance and desperation. Dancers were provided with food and water to compete for several days,sometimes weeks.People regularly dropped to the floor with exhaustion,amidst an audience which paid admission to watch the horrific events, and cheer on their favorites. These events were not unlike the entertainment at the Roman Collloseum,only the ravages were psychological and not always lethal...
The film is shocking in the display of human desperation,fatigue and existential pointlessness. The cost of this most inhumane and socially cannibalistic "entertainment,can be symbolically related to much of the human condition as well today as when it was first filmed.A must see for any serious film lover.
This review of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969) was written by Audrey L on 26 May 2008.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? has generally received very positive reviews.
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