Man of the West
Posted: April 22nd, 2013, 11:26 pm
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This one has been brought in now and then in reference to various reasons why the western is or is not popular, and other topics. I had seen it many years ago but remembered very little, so I watched it over the weekend to refresh my memory.
NOW I know why I didn't remember it. Cooper didn't strike any sympathy in me for his dilemna. His explanation of his circumstances to Julie London came too late. He had already given her ample reason to begin some feelings for him, but even so, his words did not ring with any emotion to me. I'm surprised Anthony Mann directed Coop in this, although he probably thought he had a good thing going with a big star like Cooper. He should have held out for Randolph Scott. Scott was able to draw emotion from the audience in those little 5 minute dramatic climax scenes more than Coop did. Also, Cooper is such a darn stone face, he barely registers any reaction during his dialogs.
Julie London showed some chops for acting. I know I've seen her in some other movies, but don't recall them at the moment, in fact most of her career was on T.V. And Lee J. Cobb as the crazy gang leader was his usual too loud, too fierce villain. But he does make you dislike him. I may be altogether wrong about this, so if anyone saw something special, please tell me, since it will be on again in the next week or two.
.
This one has been brought in now and then in reference to various reasons why the western is or is not popular, and other topics. I had seen it many years ago but remembered very little, so I watched it over the weekend to refresh my memory.
NOW I know why I didn't remember it. Cooper didn't strike any sympathy in me for his dilemna. His explanation of his circumstances to Julie London came too late. He had already given her ample reason to begin some feelings for him, but even so, his words did not ring with any emotion to me. I'm surprised Anthony Mann directed Coop in this, although he probably thought he had a good thing going with a big star like Cooper. He should have held out for Randolph Scott. Scott was able to draw emotion from the audience in those little 5 minute dramatic climax scenes more than Coop did. Also, Cooper is such a darn stone face, he barely registers any reaction during his dialogs.
Julie London showed some chops for acting. I know I've seen her in some other movies, but don't recall them at the moment, in fact most of her career was on T.V. And Lee J. Cobb as the crazy gang leader was his usual too loud, too fierce villain. But he does make you dislike him. I may be altogether wrong about this, so if anyone saw something special, please tell me, since it will be on again in the next week or two.
.