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Comes a Horseman (1978)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
8/20
8/20:
Despite the big-time names that were associated with Comes a Horseman, the public took a big pass.
Well, that's a shame because it's a terrific Western. You may not know Gordon Willis, but you certainly know his work. Because
of his cinematography for The Godfather saga, he was henceforth named the Prince of Darkness. It's because of the way
Gordon Willis took advantage of the color black. He did it again for Comes a Horseman which is nothing short of astonishing:
the amazing level of depth in light and black in scene after scene.
Off to a bad start with a shocking early appearance of Mark Harmon (I didn't know he went that far back), the movie is
slow-paced most of the time. But the story works well this way as the characters come alive in their own quiet way. This trait
is easily observed through James Caan. He could've been bombastic in a heroic fashion but chose to be quiet. As a result, he
comes off as an admirable cowboy with winning qualities. I hate Jane Fonda and don't think much of her acting abilities, but
let's call a spade a spade: she's perfectly cast as Ella. The role is tailor-made for her. Jane Fonda shows 100% authenticity
and has moments which are about unfulfilled dreams.
Wanting the whole shebang, Jason Robards plays a compelling character (the precursor to J.R. Ewing?) who's quiet as James
Caan but is still menacing with a long stare. It's why the last fifteen minutes is dramatic. By the way, remember the
almost-too-real scene when it's supposedly him being dragged behind the horse after being shot? Jim Sheppard, who doubled
for Robards, actually died doing it.
Outshining everybody is the easygoing Richard Farnsworth. It's so obvious within a few minutes of his speaking that I thought
he must have won the Oscar. It turns out that he was only nominated. When Farnsworth's character died, his presence was
missed the rest of the way.
All in all, Comes a Horseman is a superbly shot, deliberately paced Western with realistic performances and great
cowboy action.