Another classic of the genre that I’d never seen before.
I was so impressed with how good it was. Such a great story, well directed and acted. Jack Palance was great in his small role as the gunslinger for hire, and Alan Ladd was fantastic, all 5’6″ of him.
It was so great. I was stunned by the emotional nuance and complexity, as well as how charged some scenes were. I really wasn’t expecting much going into it, and early on I was a little worried. But it really was a fantastic film. Tragic and beautiful.
It’s pretty rare, even in 2010, to find a film that leaves questions open for the viewer to decide. Yet, in 1953 Shane engages questions of violence, conflict, love, the value of human life and morality with subtlety and ambiguity. All that can’t be debated in the film’s message is that we make choices, and there are consequences, and usually life isn’t fair.
The climax of the film is so quiet and unassuming.
Ah, so good. For me this was the biggest surprise so far. I expected a generic Western. Instead I found genuinely moving storytelling.
towardeverywind
man, based on what you’ve said here, I am very sad to have missed this one … i need to see it!