I think this movie is often overlooked because of it’s positioning as a Sharon Stone vehicle. True, Sharon Stone did co-produce and plays the lead in this Western. Also, it doesn’t live up to the Sergio Leone spaghetti western classics that it tries to re-create. But it’s still a stylish film with some great performances in spite of being somewhat empty. You always think that with a stronger script and with a stronger lead (a female Clint Eastwood), it could have been a great film.
But great performances from a stellar ensemble cast make this movie worth a second look. Stone can’t carry the lead, but the good news is that she doesn’t need to. She’s surrounded by a great ensemble cast including Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lance Henriksen, and Gary Sinise. Plus she’s got Sam Raimi directing. In addition, you’ll recognize a lot of familiar faces in people like Tobin Bell, Pat Hingle and a slew of other well-known character actors whose names never appear on the marquee but consistently turn in great supporting performances.
Hackman of course turns in his usual incomparable performance as a villain, reminiscent here of his character in Unforgiven (a brilliant movie). Russell Crowe is his usual commanding screen presence. Sam Raimi always makes a stylish movie, and this is no exception. And in case you’re wondering, yes Bruce Campbell did make an appearance, but it got cut in the theatrical release.
certainly, the quick and the dead was unique, ... was this title recycled from another western flick?
Posted by: Patrick Roberts | January 07, 2008 at 12:29 AM