Movie Review #14: High Noon, 1952
Generally, I'm not a big western movie fan. But, as luck would have it, this movie was not a typical big western movie.
Let me explain for those of you who have not seen this all-time best western movie. It's just Gary Cooper, who plays the marshal, expecting his nemesis to arrive on the noon train, fresh from prison with a bone to pick. The entire film takes place over one hour, with the sun getting hotter by the minute and the townspeople turning their backs on Cooper. It's just Cooper. He's in a town full of people, but he's never been more alone in his life.
Haven't we all felt like that at times?
In the end, good wins over vengeance, and Cooper is saved. Or, is he redeemed? Well, he rides off into the sunset with his new wife, played by an unlikely Grace Kelly (who i believe looks out of place in this black and white hot movie) and leaves that for which he fought and almost died, behind. He doesn't look back. Sometimes it's best to know Shen it's time to go.
I'm glad to have seen this as I'm not very familiar with Cooper's work. It's also good to get a sense of what makes this movie stand out over others...I'm not sure I can fully understand the scope of it all yet. But, perhaps once I've seen all 100 movies I'll have a better idea! Only 86 more to go!
What's your favorite western? Blazing Saddles, True Grit or another?
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