If you were to list McQueen's best loved films "Bullit" "Magnificent Seven" "Great Escape" would be at the top. This one, would be at the very bottom or close to it. There aren't as many postings here for his other films and there aren't many things to praise this film about as in his other films.
This film didn't show McQueen's coolness as "Bullit" did for one thing.
I think McQueen's best work was in The Great Escape, Papillon, The Sand Pebbles and The Magnificent Seven. He sure deserved that Best Actor Oscar nomination for Sand Pebbles. Never thought Bullitt was really that great- I know it's the movie he is always identified with but it's the car chase that the movie is famous for! Yeah I agree Nevada Smith isn't one of his best- heck The Towering Inferno wasn't either, but his screen presence alone always made any film he appeared in better.
shareI am not in total agreement here. Although not a great classic actor in any film, McQueen had a screen presence and style that made him a true movie star. The one thing about the Nevada Smith character that is different from most of McQueen's roles is growth. This character EVOLVES from a young, vengeance-hungry sociopath into a merciful (if leaving Karl Malden bleeding from gunshots to the knees can be considered merciful) man. He realizes that killing Malden would just de-value his own humanity. Also, the shame he feels when the dying Pilar shuns him in the swamp his extrememly well-acted in McQueen's own subdued style.
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Well I think we were saying it wasn't one of McQueen's best movies he was in- at least that was my opinion. The film I can take it or leave it. One viewing was enough for me. He was miscast as a half-breed that's for sure but I was willing to let that slide. His other films and roles mentioned are much superior to this one. He deservedly got a Best Actor nomination for The Sand Pebbles and was brilliant in The Great Escape and Papillon. The guy was indeed a true movie star.
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Thank you for the word 'EVOLVES' !! I just posted on another thread here and was struggling to find this word !! Gettin' old I guess. I tried to describe this the best could while 'stuck' for the right word LOL !! I've watched this flic a couple dozen times but not until tonight did I catch what a great job McQueen did
showing Maxs 'evolving' - especially after his stay with the priest. Also, he pulled off concurrent evolving from a kid who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a cannon to a smooth sharp shootin' pistol pro who could maintain his 'cool' at all times. No doubt this is why McQueen was hired for the part - no one does/did 'cool' better.
I'd rather watch this movie 50 times in a row than watch Matt Damon in anything. Ever.
Great cinematography. Steve McQueen was in his prime, and looks absolutely amazing in this movie.
A must for hardcore McQueen fans.
It's true, it's hard to believe he's half Indian, but who wares. Nobody looked better in blue denim. Nobody.
Gio,
While I think seeing this film is definitely indicated for all McQueen fans, I thought there were casting issues for him, and the film was not really all that effective. I can think of several other films he did that were better to much better, and right now can't think of any that were worse. Ftr I gave it a 7, which is not bad, but his others were better. See teh Sand Pebble, for example.
I agree completely.
shareThe greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions
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