On W List of Movie Reviews
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Walker (1987)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
4/21
4/21:
Set during the apogee of the Manifest Destiny, Walker exposes the hypocrisy of the Iran-Contra affair.
What's clever about the Peckinpah-esque film is the use of William Walker, a 19th-century filibuster who became a failed
ruler of Nicaragua, only to make a point of what President Reagan's men were doing in the same country during the 80's. In many
ways, Walker was bold, brave, and, most of all, misguided.
It's also more of a satire than a historical biopic. Jarring is the purposeful inclusion of anachronisms such as
helicopters, automatic rifles, Newsweek and Time magazine issues, and automobiles. By playing the "gray-eyed man of
destiny," Ed Harris turns in an outstanding performance. I'm impressed with his genuine display of ASL.
Because Walker failed badly at the box office, Alex Cox never directed a major Hollywood picture again. Having
done Repo Man and Sid and Nancy, he considers Walker to be the best of his career, and I agree with him.
The first two are mediocre while the third is both clever and unique with gorgeous cinematography.
All in all, unfairly dismissed by critics, Walker is an 80's cinematic masterpiece of satire.