The Stalking Moon
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Movie Reviews of The Stalking Moon
Movie Review: CHASING THE 'GHOST'
Summary: 5 Stars
The movie was based on the 1965 Doubleday DD Western hardcover book by Theodore V. Olsen entitled THE STALKING MOON. By mentioning that Sam's name in the book was 'Vetch', rather than 'Varner' as in the movie, one can correctly surmise there exist differences between the movie and the book. Isn't that how it generally happens, though?
Overall the movie is one of the best western movies I have ever watched, and I continually read western novels and watch western movies. This time period in both Arizona and New Mexico, two states eventually made up from the older New Mexico Territory that came into existence after the Mexican War, were both pivotal to the Apache Wars of the late 19th century. In this case the sites of Lemming and Silverton play their roles as places leading to Sam Varner's ranch in the Soledad River valley. Both the Lemming and Silverton, New, Mexico, sites lead to gruesome killings and death as Salvaje continues to roam and raid the area on the way to kill Sam and Sara.
The Apache Chief Salvaje, known as the Ghost, is running amok killing whites all across the Arizona/New Mexico area. Some killings are indiscriminate while others are quite purposeful, especially where the woman Sara Carver and her Apache child, named Jimmie Joe in the novel but having a different name in the movie, are concerned. In the case of Sara and Sam, it is more a question of honor leading to fatal consequences for several innocent victims, Nic Tana among them. Plain and simple, Salvaje wants Sara and Sam dead, and his son back. If one wonders how Salvaje gains entrance to the Sam's cabin late in the movie, it is because young Jimmie Joe lets him in. The boy is much more a problem in the book than in the movie.
For a western movie to really capture the panorama of a given area this film is quite unique. Never in all my movie watching, other than perhaps YELLOW SKY, have I seen such a grim, grimy, dusty, wind blown movie. Until Sam and Sara escape the lowlands to move into the Soledad River country of New Mexico, wind almost continually blows dust and sand in every scene. Tough on both animals and humans, all the while backed up with the towerning, rugged mountain outcroppings at the Rica crossing and its foothills. Though the movie is portrayed as being in New Mexico, the film was actually shot on location in the Mojave Desert in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada.
Another element in this movie adding both to the enjoyment and suspense is the lonely, eerie soundtrack by Fred Kaplin. It is possibly a musical score that will remain with the watcher for a time long after the movie is over.
Most watchers of this movie who enjoy westerns will have to give this production very high marks. Its magnetic story draws me back again and again whether on DVD or when it shows on Encore westerns as it is doing this month, October, 2008. For a late period western from Hollywood this yet remains one of the best and, for me at least, one of the best screen performances of Eva Marie Saint.
Semper Fi.
Movie Review: An intelligent western
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently purchased this film for my library of westerns and finally had the opportunity to watch it today. I was struck by several things. First, this is not your archetypal shoot 'em up, though there still is plenty of suspence and action. You can tell from the beginning of the film, that the Director was trying to provide a more realistic view of what life was like back in the days of the old west, versus many westerns which depict a 'cleaner', less gritty or rustic reality. Watching this film, I could almost taste the dust rise up on the road, feel the heat on the long rides and could definitely get some sense of how most things -- everyday things we take for granted -- were challenging as the west was settled. Aside from beautiful filmography, I noticed the script wasn't typical either. I loved that what wasn't said had just as much impact as what was being said. No throw away lines. No chest-thumping bravado. Gregory Peck - God rest his talented soul - was excellent as a stong and silent man, who turned out to be more complex and sophisticated as the film went on. I thoroughly enjoyed the methodical build to the story, the mood both director and cast created, and the tension that grew as the film reached its crescendo.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't give away details. But I will recommend you buy and and absorb this film if you love westerns and great movies. You don't hear about this moody classic much, but it's worth your time. Peck is a master. And Eva Marie Saint and Robert Forster give smart performances, creating memorable characters that add depth and meaning to the film.
Enjoy!
Movie Review: Most Underated Western Ever?
Summary: 5 Stars
First off, a couple of reviewers have given this great film 1 star due to their mistaken impression that it is not presented in widescreen. Notice they both indicate they have not seen the DVD. Trust me, this version IS IN WIDESCREEN, despite the technical specifications Amazon lists. As for the film itself, it is outstanding! One of my all-time favs as a kid going to the movies on saturday afternoons in the 60's and 70's watching mostly westerns. Gregory Peck gives an outstanding performance as the hardened army scout ready to retire to his New Mexico ranch. His plans are changed drastically when he takes in a refugee white woman from an Apache tribe with a half-breed son. Let's just say Peck gets more than he bargained for so as not to ruin it for anyone who has not seen it. The film features outstanding on-location cinematography and fine performances from all the actors, especially Peck and Robert Forester. Tension builds throughout the film as the enemy is never seen but the carnage he creates is left scattered across the southwestern desert. Someone once said that if Alfred Hitchcock had ever made a western, it would be something like this. So true. I wish I could take ceredit for that line. If you enjoy western period pieces, and action and suspense in general, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.
Movie Review: Atticus Finch on horseback.
Summary: 5 Stars
Like many others I waited for several years to see this movie come out on DVD. I have read that TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD was Peck's favorite film...and rightfully so. But I have also heard THE STALKING MOON was one of his favorites as well. This Gregory Peck collaboration with Mulligan is another very satisfying venture. Peck's sense of decency and willingness to do the right thing comes through, even if he is reluctant at first. While I rate MOCKINGBIRD as one of my top ten best movies of all time, I also rate STALKING MOON as one of my top five westerns. I stumbled across it on late night TV and eagerly sought it out on VHS. The story is simple, but extremely effective. One of the apsects of the film that enhances the action is the score...it just seems to fit every scene and adds to the growing tension. The film is often understated, but chilling. After repeated viewings, the only flaw I find is that Eva Marie Saint should have lost the eye make-up. All the characters ring true and Robert Forster contributes another strong performance. There are very few westerns that I watch again and again. SHANE comes to mind...and so does THE STALKING MOON. It sneaks up on you....and draws you in. Watch it...you'll see what I mean.Movie Review: Leaves a nagging question...
Summary: 5 Stars
There is much to praise in this movie. The plot is filled with tension that builds to a tension filled climax. The acting is superb. The cinematography and ambience of the bleak desert is excellent. And still I couldn't quite rid myself of a nagging question.
An Apache warrior is trying to "rescue" his young son and his mother, a white woman who was captured by the Indians many years ago. I realize that the stalker forced his advances on the woman, but the son is completely innocent. Obviously the father was attentive to the son, and there is some reason to believe that the boy would like to be with his father. Thus, there is a puzzlement: does the father deserve some sympathy, or should all our sympathy be for the white woman and her rescuer? I couldn't help but relate this to the case of Elian Gonzales and the father who wanted to retrieve the young son from his "rescuers."
And it is this puzzle that made me like the movie, that made me wonder what this movie would have been, had it been told from the point of view of the Apache father.