Appaloosa (2008)

Here's a link to the movie trailer:"Appaloosa"

Ok, lets get to this western analysis shall we? Now simply put, this western is a very good one, especially for those of you who haven't seen many westerns and want to start watching them. This production is a good one to start off with considering it's a newer presentation to the genre.

Marshal Virgil Cole (played by Ed Harris) and his deputy Mr. Everett Hitch (played by Viggo Mortensen) are hired by the small town of Appaloosa, (hence the name of the film) to reinstate the order and law that once existed there. It seems that Mr. Bragg (played by Jeremy Irons) is not abiding by the bilaws set down by the town officials and is suspected to have been the reason behind the dissapearance of a certain Sherriff and his two deputies. Mr. Bragg and his men also do whatever they please in the town, going and taking whatever they want. "They buy their supplies in my store without paying!". So Virgil and Everett get straight to business as soon as they hear the news that some of Bragg's men are at the saloon causing some trouble. They find two of Bragg's men and tell them that they are going to jail. They resist arrest and try pulling on Cole, but Cole quickly shoots each of them down. And so the story ensues. Fast forward a bit we are introduced to a new character, a wandering petticoat who's name is Mrs. French (played by Renée Zellweger). Mr. Cole and Mrs. French become romantically involved, but that is unimportant. What is important is getting on with why you should watch this western.

For starters, my favorite thing about this movie is the relationship and dialogue between Virgil and Everett, even if you don't like watching westerns or you feel this western is just an ok addition to the genre you will still love this aspect of it. The second part that really stood out about Appaloosa was the gorgeous western scenery, as well as some of the props (an 8 gauge shotgun to be more specific). In one scene you see an old steam engine coming around the inside of a large rock formation with a mountain lion standing upon it. Now that's just brutally awesome in my personal opinion.

In all honesty, my favorite character in this movie was Mr. Hitch, not to say that Ed Harris did not do a good job with his acting, but Everett just made a big impact on me. He is considered by me to be more of the main character in this role play, an example would be how at the beginning and end of this film he is narrating his actions. It is more from his point of view. You get to see the film from where he stands. And the fact that he carries an 8 gauge shotgun is also another reason why I was such a fan of him (=D).

The one downfall of this film is the romance side of it. The personality of Mrs. French was a bothersome one, I couldn't seem to understand why Virgel a rough and tough officer of the law would be interested in having any sort of relationship with the type of woman she was portrayed as. So that may also annoy you, I know that is one reason my brother doesn't like this film as much as other ones he's seen. But I truly enjoyed this film aside from that little fact. Not only does it have a serious side dealing with the pride and duty of men like Mr. Cold and Mr. Hitch, but it also has good humor in it. The talk between the two souls can make you burst out laughing, and possilbly be misunderstood by any woman in the room with you. Woman just don't understand the ways of us gentleman, sigh.

Still this movie being one I truly like, I wouldn't say it is a must see western of all time. But more of a must see new western, contemplating the fact that there aren't as many new westerns are there are old ones. I give it a 4/5. Hope you enjoy it I know I did!

Here's the torrent download link: Appaloosa Torrent. (I hope it works for you, let me know if it doesn't I shall find another one that does)