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grybar
Reviews
Sanctified (2022)
Shoots and misses
Two major problems. First, the writing attempts to be profound but the dialogue leaves the impression that the characters are talking nonsense in their sleep. It's left to the audience to try to assemble some sort of message or moral from the random strings of phrases. Second, the characters seem based in inscrutability and fail to make contact with one another or with the audience. Weston's character arc is abrupt and unmotivated. Hildegard is so inconsistent that her character looses traction. The reveal of the McGuffin -- the monstrance -- falls flat. This is another "modern" western seeking meaning in the bleak. While the mileau may have been rooted in realism, the characters were not. Good scenics of North Dakota, though.
Arizona (1940)
Authentic touches and unique characterizations
This is a refreshing western saga with well-defined performances of some unique characters. Adding to the overall quality, there is a strong current of authenticity in the staging, with both the gritty desert west (the scene is 1860's Tucson) and the settlers of that land making a strong showing. William Holden plays against type as an aw-shucks, boyish adventurer who is smitten with a bold, outspoken pioneer businesswoman played with gusto by Jean Arthur. Both characters have clearly-defined development arcs. While the plot is generally typical western fare, the narrative tends to bounce out of those well-worn ruts, including being mostly true to the period depicted and in the motivations of characters and groups. The video I watched was crystal-clear black & white. This is a western tale with a rich flavor.
Powder River (1953)
Meaty western tale
I'm not really a fan of Rory Calhoun, but I enjoyed his character in this picture. It tells a story with a bit more depth and a few surprises, while still providing action, romance and some terrific western scenery. While Calhoun's character, Chino Bull, is still country-suave and in control, he doesn't convey the snide quality that was an undercurrent in his later television work. The story line carries some standard western baggage, but at the same time it veers away with unexpected plot developments that were a bit more sophisticated than the type of that era, presaging the so-called "adult westerns" that became the standard in the 1950s and '60s. The female characters, unfortunately, are given the usual supportive roles. Still, it's an interesting story against some beautiful backgrounds.