preppy-2

I hate westerns--but I love this movie. Despite the title and the setting it isn't really a Western at all. It's a lot of different things--a comedy, a drama, a love story, etc. etc. There's a few gunfights, one fistfight and a lynching but they're presented in a very matter of fact manner. Basically the simple plot is full of symbolism (in dialogue and direction) and sex...lots of it. The script is incredible...every single line has a double or sexual meaning (or both!). The color is beautiful, the scenery breathtaking and all the acting is good (although Crawford overdoes it at times). There's also a lesbian subtext in the battle between Mercedes McCambridge and Crawford. Every time they're on screen, you feel the sexual tension and some of the lines are very suggestive. Heck, when Crawford first appears she's all dressed very butch in a cowboy's outfit! A one of a type film. Not too surprisingly it bombed when released...only now is it starting to get the recognition it deservers. Well worth seeing.

Pretty god story about a young lesbian, who has to contend with her mother and brother (both who think she's straight), moving in with her while she falls in love. Not as funny as it sounds. It's got moments, and it's well done but some scenes fall flat, some characters who are interesting but very underdeveloped (her brother in particular), bad dialogue and some VERY poor acting (the lead actress is weak but her mother is HORRIBLY played). Also there's a ludicrous wrap up in which everything ends happily...it doesn't matter that it's totally at odds with everything that happended before it. Still, it's watchable. It shows promise.

First off, I never liked the group Talking Heads. I found the music unbearable. However, this film is unbelievable. I STILL don't like them, but the way this was filmed (starting off with Bryne(?) alone on stage and then adding band members one by one) was just so great and seeing them perform the songs was stunning. So I like the film CINEMATICALLY--aurally I tolerated it. One of the best concert film ever--this should be used as a guide. Try seeing it in a theatre in stereo--that's the only way to enjoy it.