julesee

This is an underrated western. I saw it a couple of months ago, and it's stayed with me. It has everything: suspenseful plot, interesting action sequences, and terrific performances. As for the performances, Nicholson and Brando seem to be in two entirely different movies, but it still works. It's probably one of the rare times that Nicholson felt he had to defer to anyone, so it's pretty funny that he surrenders center stage to a bloated Brando, mimicking an Irishman. Also, look for a shining supporting performance by Harry Dean Stanton -- he gives a show-stopping speech about avenging the murder of his dog. Overall, this movie is well worth your time!

My review might be a little biased because I love Warren Oates and will watch anything he appears in (including obscure movies like 92 In the Shade). However, I'd like to say that this is a very well-made gangster flick that rivals Bonnie & Clyde in entertainment value. I actually prefer the action sequences in Dillinger to the famous ones from Bonnie & Clyde because they seem rougher, more natural and less self-conscious. The shooting sequences in Bonnie & Clyde seem too choreographed and slightly pretentious in comparison. Another selling point for Dillinger is that it contains wonderful performances by Oates and Ben Johnson. Actually, Ben Johnson almost steals the show as "G Man" Melvin Purvis. Even though they only have 1.5 scenes together, Oates and Johnson complement each other nicely here.

Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia has the distinction of providing the finest part in the illustrious career of Warren Oates. He's incredible in this movie, exploring the whole emotional range of outrage, humor and defeat. He spends a good deal of the movie driving around with a severed head, talking to it and occasionally abusing it. And you wish you could be along for the ride. It's the best movie I've ever seen about a man trying to save himself, and it will bruise your heart. I don't agree with the naysayers who think the violence is gratuitous; beneath the violence, it's a very personal and emotional story about a loser trying to redeem himself. It's much more involving than Peckinpah's Wild Bunch, which is more famous but not as effective. If you haven't seen it, go to the video store right now!