Unforgiven

Besides John Wayne, I think everyone would agree that Clint Eastwood is the biggest and best western movie actor out there. From his roles in “Fistful of Dollars” through to “Pale Rider,” Eastwood has done so many memorable roles in the western genre, while also making a name of himself as a great director.

However his best, most personal work as both an actor and director can be seen in the dark and serious western classic, “Unforgiven,” released in 1992, Eastwood’s tribute and finale to the western, which tells the myths and legends found inside the genre, and shows violence in a very realistic way.

The film starts in the town of Big Whiskey. A prostitute has her face cut by a cowboy, who took exclusion to her making fun of his manhood. The towns Sheriff “Little” Bill, played by Gene Hackman, a man of strict authority and cruel violence, lets the man and his partner go, only after they say to pay the prostitutes’ pimp seven ponies for damaging his “merchandise.”

Livid at Little Bill’s choice, the rest of the prostitutes get all of their money and post everywhere that a bounty of $1000 has been put on the head of their friends’ enemy and his partner.

William Munny (Clint Eastwood), an infamous murderer who has changed his ways thanks to the help of his late wife, is approached by enthusiastic young youth, the Schofiled Kid (Jaimz Woolvett), to help him take on the enemies. With his wife died, his pigs dying of fever and two young children to feed, Munny agrees, convincing his old friend Ned Logan, played by Morgan Freeman, to join them.

Meanwhile, the overconfident British gunslinger called English Bob, played by Richard Harris, has just entered Big Whisky to claim the money for his own.

Matthew Pejkovic said in his review, “David Webb Peoples’ screenplay offers a fresh perspective to a world full of many mythical figures, especially that of the gunslinger. Long time Eastwood cinematographer Jack N. Green provides dark, vibrant images which compliments the films pensive tone. Set design, costumes and editing are also great.”

Even though many westerns worship violence, “Unforgiven” is anti-violence. Pejkovic said, “Each disturbing kill is enhanced by anguished cries of mercy, and are often followed by tragic repercussions. The influence of alcohol towards violence is also explored, as all of Munny’s infamous killing sprees were done when drunk, the demon drink no doubt giving rise to his murderous rage.”

Eastwood gives a great performance as Munny, maybe the western genre’s darkest and most difficult character. Throughout the film, the audience is told of Munny’s well-known killing sprees, which include the murder of women and children. At first, it is hard to believe that such an old, broken down man could be responsible for such murders. However, during the film’s final scenes, the Munny from the past reappears from the darkest of his head in a tense, riveting piece of cinema.

Gene Hackman’s overbearing screen role is put to good use, while Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris give solid supporting roles.

Like all the westerns I have reviewed this month, you have to see this one. It is an absolute must. Seeing how westerns don’t really come out as much anymore, it’s nice to see this one to come out at a time when westerns are not so common. This one should not be skipped over.

Thank you for joining in on “Clint Eastwood Western Month” and I’m sorry again for posting this late, as I had a busy day today. I hope everyone enjoyed my reviews, and I hope all of you check these films out.

Stay tuned next month for a nice little friendly month of great movie reviews.