Le dernier cow-boy

Selleck has found his post-Magnum PI niche with Westerns, such as Monte Walsh and Quigly Down Under, among others.

Selleck delivers a quiet, strong performance. He looks like every cowboy ever wanted to look, and fortunately, he keeps his sometimes too high voice in check.

Monte Walsh is a story about times changing and how that impacts the lives of those that need for times to stay the same. It's a character study, not a Cowboys and Indians shoot them up. It does have enough gun play to keep the most traditional Western fan happy, but don't rent it for that. Watch for the great characterization by Selleck, a very good supporting cast, and wonderful cinematography.

This is remake from classic Western Monte Walsh (1970) by William A. Fraker based on Jack Schaefer's novel , author of Shane . Emotive and evocative film , including gorgeous landscapes , reflecting wonderfully the wide open spaces , they are splendidly photographed . The film starts at the ending XIX century when appears railway , big companies buy ranches and new technologies put difficult things for traditional cowboys who lost their jobs . It deals about a veteran cowboy (Tom Selleck in Lee Marvin's previous role) and his colleague (Keith Carradine) , they see declining the ending days of Wild West era and the transition to a new century where horses are left . As railway and barbed wire hardly eliminate the need for the cowboys who are yearning the freedom of the open prairie . Their lives are divided between months on the range and the occasional trip into town . They find themselves like dinosaurs in an old West that's dying out . Monte only lives his work and is enamored for a prostitute named Countess Martine Bernard (Isabella Rossellini , in Jeanne Moreau's former role). Monte Walsh and his partners are left with few options for survive, though new jobs opportunities are available . Monty has a long-term relationship with the French whore , while Chet has fallen under the spell of the widow who owns the hardware store . The cowboys (George Eads, William Sanderson , Rex Linn, among them) are commanded by a foreman named Brennan (William Devane, role of Jim Davis). Then , Monte embarks on mission to revenge best pal's death (Keith Carradine in Jack Palance role).

This melancholic picture results to be a magnificent TV western with action , a deep love story , shootouts , and spectacular scenarios . Sad , melancholic and dusty-looking Western with phenomenal protagonist duo , though the pace is too slow . Moving and sensitive Western where the cowboys must say goodbye to the lives they know and some of them attempt to make a new upright start and others way to crime . Great performances for all the main and support casting with excellent first roles from Selleck and Carradine . Special mention for Isabella Rossellini as an aging whore and James Gammon as a veteran cowboy with sad ending . However, the narration is too slow-moving to keep a fine grip on the interest . Breathtaking outdoors are well photographed by cameraman David Eggby , the movie was shot on location , including marvelous landscapes . Sensational directorial by noted filmmaker Simon Wincer , a Western expert , as he previously directed to Tom Selleck in ¨Crossfire trail¨ and ¨Quigley Down Under¨ and usually directs episodes for TV mini-series, such as : ¨Into the West¨, ¨The Ponderosa¨ and ¨Lonesome Dove¨, among others. Rating : Very good for the adequate direction and proficient film-making.

While not packed with shoot-em-up action like lots of Westerns, this film really depicts what a 19th Century cowboy's life was like--lots of boredom, bad food, foul weather, and little comforts. But the freedom they enjoyed is also emphasized and the plot line is believable and honest. The prostitute character is a little thin and more along the line of the usual "whore with a heart of gold" character, but her affection for Monte is genuine and touching. The supporting cast of cowboys accurately portray the life of a real cowboy better than most movies of this genre. The scenery is magnificent(Wyoming Territory) and the cast does a credible job of giving accurate performances. It celebrates the "wild west" more like it really was than many of the usual Westerns and I would recommend it unless you want nothing but action.

It's unlikely anyone will ever make another western as good as Wincer's LONESOME DOVE but MONTE WALSH is a good effort. I rated it a 9. This story of an aging cowboy's efforts to cope with a changing world in the late 1800s has a smoothness that seems natural. Tom Selleck is perfect and the supporting cast is equally superb. The spectacular Canadian scenery adds to the enjoyment. It's a well done western that's not just another "shoot'em-up".

Well produced TNT production. Great scenery and a well written story that keeps your interest. It is 1892 in Wyoming and the verge of progress is creeping in. Monte Walsh(Tom Selleck)struggles to maintain his identity as the job of cowboy is becoming obsolete. He is not looking forward to doing anything than can't be done from atop a horse. His girlfriend(Isabella Rossellini)is beginning to apply pressure to settle down and get married. But there is always something else to do before he resorts to "retiring".

Selleck(co-procucer)is excellent as Walsh. He carries his added weight well and still evokes the rugged cowboy of old. The beautiful Rossellini lights the screen with or without Selleck. But they work together tremendously. Supporting cast includes: Barry Corbin, Keith Carradine, George Eades, Robert Carradine, William Devane and Joanna Miles. This is well worth the time to watch. You will be thinking sequel.