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The Life & Times of Judge Roy Bean |
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The Life & Times of Judge Roy Bean
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by Warner Home Video
Sales Rank: 22666
Price: $14.98
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A remarkable blend of otherwise disparate philosophies about legendary men, this 1972 film was inspired in part by the epic dimensions of a John Milius (<I>The Wind and the Lion</I>) script, which was toned down by Paul Newman's charmingly eccentric approach to the title character, who in turn was deepened by director John Huston's sensitivity to the subject of fleeting dreams. The story concerns the famous outlaw-turned-lawmaker who rules over an empty stretch of the West that gradually grows, under his iron fist, into a thriving town. The film follows the quirky Bean's episodic adventures as the years pass and a variety of colorful characters come and go, including the muse who captivated his soul, the actress Lily Langtry (Ava Gardner). Huston's textured approach has an almost Altmanesque feel to it, though he demands more (and rewardingly so) obvious performances from the cast, particularly a hilarious cameo by Stacy Keach as the one tough-as-nails SOB who makes Bean a tad nervous. Highly entertaining. <I>--Tom Keogh</I>
Viewer Reviews
This film is a true original. If one were to nutshell it you could call it a surreal dark comic western. It's rare that you get such individualistic talents as director John Huston, writer John Milius, and actor Paul Newman together for one project. It's rarer that the result produces gold. Huston, with some exception, was something of a cynic in his work. Milius, considered something of a bad boy in Hollywood, was known for his conservative political bent. As noted in a recent obituary for Newman he betrayed his matinee idol looks and pursued rebel roles and offbeat projects. As a previous reviewer stated Huston and Milius take liberties with Judge Bean's life. Though some of the elements are true for the most part this is a fanciful work. But it's an artistic triumph. If one needs to pursue the "truth" go to the library. This film is completely mesmerizing with witty dialogue that crackles. This is definitely one of Newman's more underrated performances. It's an understated performance that barely conceals his off-kilter character. Stacy Keach has a great cameo as Bad Bob an adversary of Bean's who has the audacity to denigrate the Judge's feminine ideal, Lillie Langtry. This isn't just a great western, if one could call it that, but a great film, period.
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