Reiter auf verbrannter Erde

I liked the film and thought the story was solid, with strong, believable perfomances throughout, but I have to agree with another reader who questioned the black man's role at the dinner table.

Don't get me wrong, I bought the Indian as an integral part of Cusack's character's homestead, because the character lent himself to a fair and equitable role through his life. The Character "Ballard" however, was basically a rotten @#&^%! though, and in that day and age, would a black man have found reliable and somehow trusted place among other scoundrels let alone at this land "Baron's" table? Had the guy's race been white, it would have been totally believable, but at least for historical accuracy, I had to question this plausibility.

It probably might not have distracted from the film at all had I not read it here first, but I have to agree with the observation. Otherwise I liked the work.

Fifteen minutes into almost any movie I find myself saying, `Well, I don't care what happens to Any of these characters.' With this film, I found myself caring about Every character. Even the bad guys. Even the characters walking by in the background. The acting in this film is uniformly excellent. Like an ensemble theatre piece. Much has been written here about the men, but Miranda Otto as Cusack's wife is luminescent. She clearly is the light of his life, and she lights up the screen for every second of every scene she is in--who wouldn't love this woman? The actress with only one scene begging she not be burned out of her house. The actress with only one scene who comes to the aid after a carriage accident in Cheyenne. The character landscape is rich and deep. You'll recognize many venerable character actors, like the always reliable Ken Pogue as the bad judge. In the leads, John Cusack, John Goodman, and John C. McGinley invest a depth of feeling that anchors the story. L.Q. Jones and John Savage are a pair of richly textured villains. This film is a feast of fine performances, from the briefest day players to the many layered leads.

To those of us who follow any of HBO's original programming, it should come as no surprise that a film on the level of THE JACK BULL premieres on HBO. While the folks out in Hollywood are busy heaping money on so-called films such as AMERICAN OUTLAWS and TEXAS RANGERS, leave it to HBO and John Cusak to come up with the good stuff. Though the big screen fare is far glossier (and no doubt costlier), Cusak's gritty western is simply far superior. Boasting a cast including Cusak, John C. McGinley, John Goodman, and L. Q. Jones, the film out-acts its big screen competitors by a mile and a half. Combine it with a cold, smart, gritty screenplay by Cusak's dad and strong direction by John Badham and you have a film worthy of inclusion among really good Westerns.

f you want to see Ashton Kutcher, James Van Der Beek, Colin Farrell, or Usher Raymond, you'll have to rent the other two. But if you want to see something more on par with Clint Eastwood's UNFORGIVEN, well then, THE JACK BULL is calling your name!

I haven't been impressed with a western in along time as I have with JACK BULL. Terrific acting, great script and tremendous cinematography. The setting is 19th-century, wide open pre-statehood Wyoming. A powerful tale of a horse trader(John Cusack) seeking justice for a rival rancher(L.Q.Jones) abusing two of his horses. Before finding a judge(John Goodman)to hear his complaint, Cusack gives notice he wants restitution within seven days. This inturn causes some havoc at the same time the justice system is trying to make a good impression as the territory is awaiting statehood. You will not like the ending, but you will agree that this is a great HBO project.

Cusack really proves to be an all around actor with JACK BULL. His acting abilities seems to be improving movie by movie. What I like about this role is that he wears his hat like Elvis Presley did in CHARRO!(1969). Needless to recognize the similar beginnings of a beard. Was John impressed with Elvis or what? L.Q. Jones has always been one of my favorites even if he does play a dirty s.o.b. in this movie. Jones of course as you might remember had small parts in numerous Elvis flicks. John Goodman is tight and in control of his role as Judge Tolliver. Also in the cast are:Rodney A. Grant, John C. McGinley and John Savage.

Note:Script was written by Dick Cusack, John's father.

"The Jack Bull" is an American western film released in 1999 and directed by John Badham, known for directing some competent films in the 1980s and 1990s. 1999), the film is still appreciated by lovers of the genre, providing a satisfying experience. The screenplay was written by Dick Cusack, loosely inspired by the 1810 novel by Heinrich von Kleist entitled "Michael Kohlhaas".

The story takes place in the mid-nineteenth century and accompanies the protagonist Myrl Redding, played by John Cusack. Myrl is a determined and headstrong horse breeder who finds himself embroiled in a conflict with a powerful local rancher named Henry Ballard. When Ballard mistreats two of Myrl's horses, Myrl decides to take the case to court. However, Judge Wilkins dismisses Myrl's claim. Disgusted, Myrl begins a journey of revenge, facing several obstacles on the way.

During her fight for justice, Myrl faces resistance from a corrupt system and faces the odds imposed by Ballard's power and influence. Throughout the narrative, the film explores themes such as honor, ethics, revenge and the personal price of remaining true to one's principles.

However, the clumsy performances of John Cusack and LQ Jones somewhat undermine the quality of the film. Despite this, western enthusiasts will find enough reason to appreciate the film's plot and atmosphere.

A notable highlight in this western is the musical score, composed by Lennie Niehaus (1929-2020); he was responsible for the music for several films by actor and director Clint Eastwood. The soundtrack adds to the Wild West ambiance and complements the scenes in an engaging way.

Much of the scenes were filmed at CL Ranch and Heritage Park Historical Village in Calgary, Alberta.

Although John Badham has dedicated himself mainly to directing TV series since 2002, he demonstrated his skill in directing this film, capturing the characteristic atmosphere of Westerns and conveying the tension and quest for justice present in the narrative.

"The Jack Bull" offers moviegoers a dark and realistic look at the Old West, where justice often must be won at all costs.