Review of Yellow Sky (1948) by John A — 28 Sep 2011
This is an outstanding western noir, with a wonderful cast (Gregory Peck, Anne Baxter, Richard Widmark) and gorgeous direction. It's one of the many westerns shot in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, California; and Wellman uses the gorgeous scenery masterfully. The extended sequence in the beginning on the salt flats is unbelievable.
In contrast to the beautiful scenery, 'Yellow Sky' is a dark and gritty film. I haven't seen many westerns that felt this agonizingly realistic. And I mean that in the best way possible. The scorching sun, the dirt, the grime, and the sweet serenity that is fresh water.
This is a vicious, and cold-hearted film. Some of the violence, and behavior of some of the characters made me feel uneasy, and that is saying something. The brutal honesty in the way the film portrays the the gang is wonderful.
Some might have a problem with the way this story wraps up, as it's a departure from the darkness that shrouds the rest of the film. I loved the whole film, even though the ending feels like something the studio might have tacked on. It works well. Overall, this is one of my favorite westerns from the 40's, and a new overall favorite as well.
This review of Yellow Sky (1948) was written by John A on 28 Sep 2011.
Yellow Sky has generally received positive reviews.
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