The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
This really looks and feels like the last of the great American westerns. In some ways it even seems to be retro for the 60s, as it more resembles the sound stage westerns of the 40s than the widescreen colorful westerns of the 50s. It resembles The Shootist in some fashion, also starring both Wayne and Stewart, with the general theme on conflict between “the old west” where things are settled by the gun and the modern way of thinking with the rule of law. The departure of the old west was already shown for John Wayne’s character in The Searchers, and this is really the type of role I prefer John Wayne in. He is really good in this, as his more serious demeanor balances out the rest of the cast that plays both louder and bigger.
Both Wayne and Stewart steals the show, but Lee Marvin as the ultimate antagonist was pretty good too and I enjoyed seeing van Cleef just being mean. The narrative is really well structured around the title, that gives you a false sense of security in thinking you know where it ultimately goes.
If I have any minor criticism it is that even for 1962 it feels a bit old fashioned (not in its themes as it is quite revisionist of the genre in that, mostly how it is acted), the small love triangle is underdeveloped and it wraps up all its points and messages a tad too neatly, not giving enough room for the film to stay in my head afterwards.
Rating: 4