tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7539700916676246998.post7764527924769275473..comments2024-03-13T10:58:10.011-07:00Comments on Streams of Unconsciousness: No Escaping Politics, Not Even in a Classic WesternRichard Hourulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12354136203258901360noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7539700916676246998.post-29968165045622580492009-03-06T23:38:00.000-08:002009-03-06T23:38:00.000-08:00Riku, in my opinion "Stagecoach" is the greatest W...Riku, in my opinion "Stagecoach" is the greatest Western ever. With its journey motif and its array of characters who are recognizable types without being cliches, it transcends the genre. And how refreshing to see John Wayne give such a likable and fresh performance, before his screen persona became so set. You rightly praise its visual qualities, particularly the contrast between indoors/inside the stagecoach scenes and the outdoor scenes in those incomparable landscapes. Ford even treats the Native Americans with respect--fear, yes, but above all respect--something rare for the time and for a long time afterward. And what a hypocritical blowhard that renegade banker is! When I last watched the movie, I couldn't believe how contemporary his rant sounded, almost word-for-word like the things you read in conservative newspaper columns, or did until very recently. For me Ford's sentimental streak and his cornball idea of comedy relief often compromise his movies, but not in this one. Just a great and timeless film.R. D. Finchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05045080274131718843noreply@blogger.com