|
This film is by no means perfect but I have no problem recommending it. Ustinov was in the background in a shot, and the star of the movie turned to him and said "what are you doing.". That sort of sums of Russell Crowes performance. The plot has been told over and over here so to keep it short, Ben Wade (Crowe) is a notorious criminal who has to be put on the 3:10 train to Yuma (where there is a prison). The single DVD has a few extras on it which are pretty good (commentary/deleted scenes). The story that Peter Ustinov used to tell of an actor he was working with is never more true than here.
So if I've seen any they obviously didn't have a big impact. Whilst writing this review I was trying to think of any other westerns since Unforgiven and couldn't remember any. The major difference between this film and the original is the inclusion of Dan Evans son as a major character. He doesn't do a lot, but his not doing a lot is actually very good.
The star said "Oh no your not I'M DOING NOTHING". Ustinov said "I'm doing nothing".
Fortunately I saw the original last year, which is a minor classic itself. Rather surprisingly I thought his performance overshadowed Christian Bale's, who is generally considered a better actor.
I didn't think this did any harm, and in places it worked very well. On the DVD case it says its the best western since Unforgiven.
In general I don't like remakes, however this is well done and Russell Crowe again shows that when he wants to, he can be a terrific actor. This is a remake of the 1957 film of the same name.
Dan Evans (Bale) is a struggling farmer who being desparate for money volunteers to help, knowing that Wades gang will be on their tail.
|