The Big Country
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Movie Reviews of The Big Country
Movie Review: All of the Ingredients for Greatness!
Summary: 5 Stars
Since the film's plot and cast have been wonderfully discussed here through previous evaluations, I will not belabor the process again.
This wonderful film has all of the ingredients for the perfect movie! In terms of "epic," it would have been cinematic sacrilege to have filmed the tale in anything less then Cinemascope. The actors for all roles were perfectly fitted to what they portrayed, and I have rarely seen, for example, a more deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor than Burl Ives! In fact, there is not a weak link in the entire film, which renders it the western equivalent of "The Sting," as it does indeed reach the level of perfection in every regard.
There have been more "exciting" western films produced over the decades, but "The Big Country" subordinates endless gunfire and bloodshed to a complete study in human behaviors, strengths, weaknesses, and romance. Truly one of the best films ever made!
Movie Review: A Western as Shakespearean Tragedy
Summary: 5 Stars
This film has everything going for it. A stupendous landscape that is used as its backdrop; photography that is second to none and a stirring musical soundtrack.The script is well-written and does much to explore the tensions and antagonisms between the character. The main tension in the film, however, are the apparent class antagonisms that exist between the richer and classier cattle magnate Terrills and the apparent down-at-heel Hannesseys. Burl Ives turns in a very emotive performance as Rufus Hannassey, who appears to have a noble heart and admires and respects James McKay played by Gregory Peck.
It is a tragedy that ends in a duel between Hannasey's low-life son, Buck Hannasey (played by Chuck Connors). Although Rufus has little time for Buck, he becomes completely grief-stricken by his demise. Ives' performance is full of pathos that one can help feeling for him.
It's a Western to end all Westerns.
Movie Review: The real western hero...
Summary: 5 Stars
The main character in this movie is played by Gregory Peck, and he does a great job as usual. He doesn't really fit in with most of the West's standards, but in reality he does belong. His character is similar to John Wayne's in "The Quiet Man"--everyone expects him to go guns blazing at the slightest offense, but he is so confident in his own character, that he refuses. And that's what makes him sooo cool. Charlton Heston plays the typical cowboy full of the expected bravado, but you can see right through his shallowness.
Hooray for a different western. A HUGE production (the name kind of indicates that), this is a very enjoyable film with lots of recognizable stars and some good action. I've always thought Jean Simmons was beautiful too, so there's a great heroine to go along with the great hero.
If you like westerns, Gregory Peck, or sprawling epics you will like this film!
Movie Review: Absolutely stunning music. Peck and Heston in their prime
Summary: 5 Stars
Clearly, the most enduring "character" of this larger than life western is the score by Jerome Moross. Regularly named as one of the ten best movie scores of all time, it's hard to imagine that it lost the Oscar in 1958 for Best Score to "The Old Man and the Sea!" Who remembers the music to THAT??????Peck and Heston are in their primes here, and Heston courageously took a role that didn't make him heroic every minute..a much more complex and conflicted character than most he has played. Gregory Peck's style and grace were never more evident than in this role.
For 1958, the female roles in this movie were ahead of their time. Their roles drive the story, they are not just ornamentation along with the big skies and canyons.
But again, the star of this movie is the incredible score. If you can find the boxed set soundtrack release, covet it!
Movie Review: Its a big country!
Summary: 5 Stars
The Big Country is one of the best westerns ever made in my opinion. It's unique in that it doesn't have all of the shoot em' up good guy against bad guy spagetti western flavor. It focuses more on the different people and their surroundings, and also how their outlooks on life effect everything else.
The thing that really sets this movie apart from a lot of westerns I have seen is the sheer magnitude in which it is shot. How "big" of a country that they film it to be. While watching this movie you feel like your actually there, you feel the immensity of it.
Along with the good photography and amazing characters/actors, the music really kicks the movie into another level entirely. The musical score is powerful and helps set the mood of the entire movie.
Set asside a couple of hours and enjoy it.