As 
loyal readers will know, I am not a big fan of Clint Eastwood's work as a director, except for the inimitable Gran Torino (which reminded me that Eastwood is the conscience of American machismo), and have traditionally had low (B) regard for Unforgiven. Last week I decided to give it another chance, and it shot way up to an A-. Why? I loooooved the way Clint wrestles with his demons and whether he is a reformed sinner or just a sinner in denial. The scene when he and the young cowboy get paid for their assasinations and he starts drinking as he realizes Ned's been killed is among my all-time favorites now. Watch here. Mea Culpa.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Unforgiven - A- (Mea Culpa)
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2 comments:
The kid gets less whiny with each additional viewing and Clint's pacing (in Unforgiven at least) feels just right, allowing you time to appreciate the outdoor cinematography, performances, and terrific writing. There are no easy answere and no apologies. It's even better after watching the great The Outlas Josey Wales, which he totally deconstructs with Unforgiven.
FWIW, Roger Ebert withdrew his initial dismissal of Unforgiven (2 1/2 star review in August '92) when he gave it 4 stars later that year or in early '93 after it won many critic's awards. His reversal can be found on youtube.
nothing could bring me more joy than your re-examining of this film. josey wales is a classic as well. i think if you've seen a lot of his older stuff, it would be easy at first light to view this as something of a dated retread (as ebert seemed to if my recollection is correct). but the title ways it all.
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