Comes a Horseman
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Canada
Movie Reviews of Comes a Horseman
Movie Review: Compromises some Performances
Summary: 2 Stars
An okay movie that could have been a great one. Certainly, the cast is not to be faulted. "Julia" co-stars and co-Oscar nominees Jane Fonda and Jason Robards again ignite sparks as cattle ranchers battling nature, economic changes, and - most notably - each other in the closing years of World War II; James Caan offers one of his most sensitively understated performances as the newcomer who becomes embroiled in their conflict. And the supporting cast is beyond reproach. There's fine work from stage and screen veteran George Grizzard, Jim Davis (Jock Ewing on TV's "Dallas), and Mark Harmon; and a particularly touching performance by the marvelous Richard Farnsworth as Fonda's aging sidekick and former mentor. Other big plusses are some gorgeous locations and stunning set decorations, all beautifully photographed by cinematographer Gordon Willis. Now ... if only the film editor had been more alert! Because Willis' breathtaking camerawork eventually turns out to be a near-fatal liability in the wrong hands. There are many instances in which the film needs to cut to a series of close-ups or at least a medium shot of the actors so that the audience can stay connected to the human drama; however, the editor remains resolutely focused on the grandeur of the scenery, leaving the viewer emotionally distant and uninvolved. This problem is compounded by the inappropriateness of Michael Small's musical score. Too often the music seems to be desperately competing for the viewer's attention, always at the expense of the actors and the screenplay. Halfway into the two-hour running time, the unrelentingly majestic visual and aural backgounds were becoming annoying irritations; before the closing credits they had developed into full-fledged nuisances.
On balance, I have to admit that the film is worth a look ... especially in the widescreen format offered on the DVD release. The disc includes the Original Theatrical Trailer (which, by the way, does offer some great editing!), and a very high quality film-to-video transfer with clear, crisp sound. If only the film could be recut and rescored, then reissued as a "Director's Special Edition". Unquestionably, there's a pony buried somewhere underneath this mess! **-1/2 stars
Movie Review: Slow and predictable...
Summary: 2 Stars
...but great cinematography. This film is beautiful to look at, but you can't help but know what's going to happen before it happens. Robards character is nothing more than a big baby who literally throws hissy-fits when he doesn't get his way. The idea that this man is free to just kill who he wants whenever he wants-including bankers-is a little extreme. In the climatic scene-you can help but wonder how on earth this man thought he was going be able to get away with what he was doing? Getting rid of Julia no longer benefited him. He didn't owe the land. The bank did. And getting rid of the banker doesn't get rid of the bank. Silly. Still I liked Dodger, though you knew his number was up the minute he showed on the screen. I can't really recommend the movie, because I wasn't overly impressed with any other performance and the script was written by someone who apparently sleep walks.