Former outlaw, now lawman, Pat Garret (James Coburn) goes after his friend, the legendary gunman 'Billy the Kid' (Kris Kristofferson). The typical, hard-edged Sam Peckinpah bloodbath features great action cinematography and a 'love it or hate it' score by Bob Dylan. I didn't like either Kristofferson or Coburn in their lead roles (both were too old and the discrepancy between their ages undercut the relationship they were to have shared when younger) but the rest of the cast is outstanding (even Dylan, easily dismissed as novelty casting, is OK (and doesn't 'overstay his welcome')). There are some memorable scenes, notably the famous 'shot gun loaded with dimes' and Slim Picken's (as Sheriff Baker) slow walk by the watering hole to the tune of 'Knocking on Heaven's Door'. Not in the same league as the 'The Wild Bunch' (1969), but still a good anti-hero-driven oater from one of the industry's most drunken, sanguineous directors.
Review of Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid
