Broken Trail (Robert Duvall: Variations on a Theme of Gus)
Posted: June 26th, 2010, 5:37 pm
I was watching Broken Trail this afternoon and although I enjoyed seeing it all again... I just started to really WATCH Robert Duvall this time. Wow... I have likely mentioned this before, but I have to say that among the more "modern day" western actors... he is at the top of my list. He just seems to fit into a certain "type" (especially as he ages) and the roles that I love him for the most are all similar characters in a way.
My most favorite of all for him (whether western or not) is his "Gus" from Lonesome Dove. OH the emotion he brings to that character. For such a "gritty" story.. he truly brings a depth to it that you would not necessarily expect. And although I have not watched that serial for several years now... I get very sentimental just thinking about it.
Gus is HARD as nails.. gritty.. determined... reliable... STRAIGHT shooting... but my most favorite aspect of his character is that he is the protector of those weaker than himself. And he is a TRUE gentleman. But he is not ""purty" (ha) and he is not a "softie" either, though I might make him sound a bit that way. He just has a very kind heart behind all that "grit". And I like that he doesn't mince words either. He will tell you the truth (about himself.. or yourself.. or whatever is going on at the moment) and he'll do it "ugly and all". But even when he is being the honest.. he is not judgmental.. and there is not a mean-spirited bone in his body (unless you are a ROTTEN low life who NEEDS to be taken down a peg or two.. or taken down for good. And then he is very matter of fact about it.)
For such a tough guy.. he can reduce me to tears with his "soft side" like few other movie characters can do. His final scenes in LD (between him and Woodrow Call) are some of the most heartbreaking moments I can ever recall in a western. I get misty eyed just thinking of it all. (OH sometime soon, I just need to just sit down and watch this whole story all over again)
And all this is not to say that I think "Gus" is all that Duvall can play. (anyone around here remember Lucky Ned Pepper?) Anyway... I just wanted to make a mention of him as being among one of my more favorite "recent" Western Actors. He has been in a LOT of films and I have enjoyed him in many different roles. But for me.. "Gus" is the first and best one that I think of.
But back to my original thoughts for this thread.... part of my intent here was to chat "Broken Trail" with anyone who is interested. I think this movie is a bit LONG.. but it is a really good and gritty story (if a bit emotional too)
But today as I was watching BT I got to thinking again how MUCH his character reminded me of of this Lonesome Dove role. And I remembered saying on here once (in a different thread) that I thought his Prentice Ritter was a variation on a "theme of Gus" ha. Because I DO see a lot of the same sorts of characteristics in him as I recall in Gus. Maybe Ritter was a version of what Gus might have been in his older years. Or what he might have been like w/out Call. I don't know. But Ritter just seemed to have "Gus" written all over him sometimes. And I liked it.
So along w/ thoughts on the film Broken Trail, I hope others will drop a line here as well and share your thoughts on Duvall. This may be a bit "hodge podge" to try and fit it all in one thread... but I thought one would be easier than two (ha.. since I HATE starting new threads anyway) And by the way... it doesn't have to be a "Gus-a-thon" here.. HA!! Although I posted this in the "Western Forum", since we are taking a "hodge podge" turn here.. feel free to bring up any of your favorite films and characters for Duvall (western or not) Especially ones that you think are "stand out" roles for him. I have a few more in mind myself. But will stop with Gus for now.
In the meantime, I think I need to go find my old copy of Lonesome Dove.. ha. After watching Broken Trail.... I am having a nostalgic "Gus" attack. HA!
My most favorite of all for him (whether western or not) is his "Gus" from Lonesome Dove. OH the emotion he brings to that character. For such a "gritty" story.. he truly brings a depth to it that you would not necessarily expect. And although I have not watched that serial for several years now... I get very sentimental just thinking about it.
Gus is HARD as nails.. gritty.. determined... reliable... STRAIGHT shooting... but my most favorite aspect of his character is that he is the protector of those weaker than himself. And he is a TRUE gentleman. But he is not ""purty" (ha) and he is not a "softie" either, though I might make him sound a bit that way. He just has a very kind heart behind all that "grit". And I like that he doesn't mince words either. He will tell you the truth (about himself.. or yourself.. or whatever is going on at the moment) and he'll do it "ugly and all". But even when he is being the honest.. he is not judgmental.. and there is not a mean-spirited bone in his body (unless you are a ROTTEN low life who NEEDS to be taken down a peg or two.. or taken down for good. And then he is very matter of fact about it.)
For such a tough guy.. he can reduce me to tears with his "soft side" like few other movie characters can do. His final scenes in LD (between him and Woodrow Call) are some of the most heartbreaking moments I can ever recall in a western. I get misty eyed just thinking of it all. (OH sometime soon, I just need to just sit down and watch this whole story all over again)
And all this is not to say that I think "Gus" is all that Duvall can play. (anyone around here remember Lucky Ned Pepper?) Anyway... I just wanted to make a mention of him as being among one of my more favorite "recent" Western Actors. He has been in a LOT of films and I have enjoyed him in many different roles. But for me.. "Gus" is the first and best one that I think of.
But back to my original thoughts for this thread.... part of my intent here was to chat "Broken Trail" with anyone who is interested. I think this movie is a bit LONG.. but it is a really good and gritty story (if a bit emotional too)
But today as I was watching BT I got to thinking again how MUCH his character reminded me of of this Lonesome Dove role. And I remembered saying on here once (in a different thread) that I thought his Prentice Ritter was a variation on a "theme of Gus" ha. Because I DO see a lot of the same sorts of characteristics in him as I recall in Gus. Maybe Ritter was a version of what Gus might have been in his older years. Or what he might have been like w/out Call. I don't know. But Ritter just seemed to have "Gus" written all over him sometimes. And I liked it.
So along w/ thoughts on the film Broken Trail, I hope others will drop a line here as well and share your thoughts on Duvall. This may be a bit "hodge podge" to try and fit it all in one thread... but I thought one would be easier than two (ha.. since I HATE starting new threads anyway) And by the way... it doesn't have to be a "Gus-a-thon" here.. HA!! Although I posted this in the "Western Forum", since we are taking a "hodge podge" turn here.. feel free to bring up any of your favorite films and characters for Duvall (western or not) Especially ones that you think are "stand out" roles for him. I have a few more in mind myself. But will stop with Gus for now.
In the meantime, I think I need to go find my old copy of Lonesome Dove.. ha. After watching Broken Trail.... I am having a nostalgic "Gus" attack. HA!