Fascinating historical artifact showing a lot of different cultural currents.
Particularly, the depiction of race in this is quite something. The main character is Black (itself feeling odd for a 30’s film), but also feels cunning and selfish in a way meant to project as threatening. The fact that he attacks and kills white men, runs from the law, and proclaims himself a king with divine right only adds to the scandal. Jones’s refusal to acknowledge Smithers as his better…
This one, in fact, bangs. Incredibly great family drama, pacing, and set pieces. Bonus points if you have kids
This is the first John Ford and John Wayne Western I’ve ever seen, and truthfully it defied my expectations. John Wayne is one of the most singular figures not only of American film, but American culture overall in the 20th Century, a self-cultivated icon of American identity and masculinity that has declined severely in popularity as of late as his blatant racism (among other bigotries) in his personal life have become more well-known in the years since his death.
With…
