Appaloosa is a slow-paced western that will remind you of the great classics of the genre. The film looks incredible on Blu-ray, and is a faithful adaptation of the equally classic Robert B. Parker novel.
The film was directed by and stars Ed Harris (who also co-wrote the adaptation with Robert Knott and produced the film).
It also stars Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons.
The plot of Appaloosa is pretty straight forward – gunhands Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch earn a living by going from town to town and hiring out as city peacekeepers. They arrive in the town of Appaloosa and sign on to help the town deal with cattle rancher and murder Randall Bragg (Irons).
Allie French (Zellweger) arrives in town, and Virgil is instantly smitten with her. After some flirting, the two quickly strike up a relationship – which might not be the best thing for Virgil. Hitch is put in a bad situation as he starts to realize that Allie might not be as faithful as she should, but chooses not to tell Virgil.
The movie moves along as the two are forced to deal with Bragg; get him to trial for killing the town’s previous lawman; and then attempt to get him to prison to be hanged. Virgil’s relationship with Allie is used as leverage to get Bragg out of custody – which sets up a huge gunfight. The gunfight is over quick because, as Virgil puts it, everyone knew how to shoot.
The film then wraps up its story (much the same way the book did) with the two men’s friendship being put to the test. Hitch does what he knew Virgil couldn’t after Bragg shows back up in Appaloosa.
The above is just a general summary of the plot of Appaloosa, but doesn’t really describe how good the film really is. Harris and Mortensen nail the two roles, and it is impossible to see anyone else handling them.
They have all the characteristics and mannerisms (such as the slow movement of Virgil and the lack of vocal communication between the two men) of Parker’s novel. Some have criticized the lack of dialogue between the two men (they constantly nod or grunt and the other shakes his head like some long monologue has just taken place), but I think it just demonstrated how well the two men knew each other and the level of their friendship.
These two men have spent years protecting each other and can read each other without the need of dialogue. Harris and Mortensen nail the friendship through their inside jokes, and easy way of backing each other up in fights without a plan being discussed.
Harris’ Cole is a cold gunfighter who just happens to do his killing on the right side of the law. He doesn’t think twice about killing a man, but makes sure that the town sets up his laws so that all the killing is legal. He believes this thin line is what makes his gunwork right – as opposed to Bragg who kills for selfish reasons.
Harris moves the character through the film with a slow and deliberate speed – which makes the character’s every movement seem like it is done with purpose. At the same time, he shows a human side to Cole through his constant struggle with large words, his heated temper, and his blinded love for Allie.
Mortensen also knows how to handle the role of Hitch, and makes the character the opposite of Cole while adopting the same deadliness. Hitch is more easy going than Cole, but just as quick to kill a man (although he will say he has never seen anyone as fast as Virgil). Mortensen plays the character quiet and the ultimate supporter of his friend (regardless of right or wrong).
Although their characters aren’t given as much to do, Zellweger and Irons hold their own against the two main characters. Zellweger’s charm makes Virgil’s love for Allie believable – even after she reveals her true character faults. She lights up the screen each time she appears, and clearly has Virgil wrapped around her finger.
Irons is the typical old west bad guy, but the actor is at home with the role. He knows how to make Bragg a villain you can despise, and makes sure to keep you guessing if he is gutless or can actually fight as good as he boast.
The film is simply beautifully shot with director of photography Dean Semler capturing the wide open landscapes you expect from a classic western. Everything in this film feels real and looks great on Blu-ray. The characters all have a texture to their clothing (such as the leather patch on Mortensen’s jacket or the way the dust seems to cover their clothing at all time). The backgrounds, buildings, and furniture all have a feeling of realism.
When the action happens, it is fast paced, and forces you not to blink or you will miss it. Some may find the film a little too slow and the action too fast for the wait, but I thought it was helped give the film the classic western feel. Westerns should be a slow burn that builds the tension to one big shoot-out. Appaloosa’s big gunfights are over quick, but they feel real.
The Blu-ray comes loaded with special features that detail how much work went into getting the film to the big screen, and getting the western feel right. The features discuss getting the book’s characters right, how it was a labor of love for Harris and company, and the film’s accuracy. There are also several deleted scenes that don’t really add much to the overall story.
Although the film is a tad slow from time to time, I loved Appaloosa, and thought it really captured the soul of Parker’s novel. Harris and Mortensen are perfect as the two lawmen and the film is a reminder of how great the western genre can be when done right.
Appaloosa is now available at Amazon . Visit the DVD database for more information.
USA
Your Talkback on this Story