(SPECIAL NOTE: Capsule version of the review is available here.)
In the past century, all those seeking simple but effective entertainment in films were usually best served by the Western genre. The basics of such simple but effective entertainment are today provided by semi-nostalgic films like Appaloosa, a 2008 Western directed by Ed Harris.
The plot, based on the novel by Robert B. Parker, is set in Appaloosa, a small mining town in 1882 New Mexico. Ed Harris plays Virgil Cole, an experienced lawman who, together with his best friend and the film’s narrator Everett Hitch (played by Viggo Mortensen), has built a good reputation by cleaning wild Western towns of criminals. The town of Appaloosa faces a serious problem of that nature in the form of Randall Bragg (played by Jeremy Irons), a wealthy rancher whose cowboys terrorise, rape, and murder the townsfolk. After the town’s marshal and his deputy die while trying to arrest Bragg’s men, the city’s business leaders hire Cole and Hitch to deal with this issue. They quickly establish some semblance of law and order, but their mission and friendship are challenged by the arrival of attractive female pianist Allison French (played by Renée Zellweger).
For the most part, Appaloosa employs all the ingredients of the classic Western formula – barren landscapes that underline the characters and their strict separation between Good and Evil, as well as a proper blend of action, melodrama, and humour. One example of the latter is provided by Cole’s lack of proper education and his inability to use “important” words, which brings well-educated Hitch to the rescue. The acting in this film is superb – Harris and Mortensen portray their characters with a great deal of ease, while Irons can’t hide his enthusiasm in playing a villain quite uncharacteristic for his career. Renée Zellweger is also very good, providing an aura of mystery and charm to a character that proves rather unusual for a Western. Supporting players add much to the film, mainly an almost unrecognisable Lance Henriksen in a small role that would otherwise be cliché.
The very good impression of Appaloosa is spoiled at the moment the film appears to be ending. The script introduces unusual plot twists that prolong the film’s resolution for at least half an hour, thus revealing many of its flaws. The last segment of Appaloosa feels overlong, allowing the audience to notice many missed opportunities, mainly those dealing with the social and political context of the plot; that context was probably explored in Parker’s novel but Harris (who also co-wrote the script with Robert Knott) chose a more classical, “purist,” and non-revisionist Western approach. Despite this, Appaloosa serves its general purpose by providing audiences with old-fashioned yet simple and effective entertainment.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted here on July 15th 2009)
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