Thursday, April 24, 2014

462. Hombre

Hombre
1967
Directed by Martin Ritt









I am personally a big fan of Westerns and have missed seeing them so frequently.  This is an exceptional movie that is highly reminiscent of Stagecoach.  Unfortunately, it is not without its dead time.

Paul Newman was kidnapped by the Apache when he was a child and was brought up as one of them (don't tell John Wayne that).  When a stagecoach that he is on is suddenly attacked by a gang, Newman must decide whether to save his fellow, somewhat racist, passengers or if he let them fight for themselves.

This is a fun western to see; it was refreshing to see one that actually portrayed women and Native Americans in a positive light for once.  Paul Newman, though great to look at, can be a bit wooden at times, but fortunately, this was true to the character he played.  Like I said, there were times when I was looking at the time, but it is a great movie and well worth a watch.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Picture at the end of the film was taken in 1886.

Trailer:


3 comments:

  1. Did you know that Paul Newman lived on a reservation before making Hombre? I just remember that but don't know where or for how long. I have always thought this was a powerful performance by Paul Newman-he is not meant to be a sympathetic character and I like that. He is how he is--he is a man who really does not fit in anywhere and has a kind of stoic take on that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No I didn't know that! I have never really liked the wooden, chauvinistic characters. I just find it upsetting.

      Delete
  2. Wasn't there one more bandit left at the end? The one who went behind the house? What happened to him? Why didn't he shoot the rest of them when they came rushing down the hill to see the stricken Paul Newman? As the only competent gunman left, wouldn't he have just shot who he needed, taken the money & water and ridden off?

    ReplyDelete