After collaborating with him on Spartacus, Kirk Douglas once again asked screenwriter Dalton Trumbo—who was rehabbing years after McCarthy’s blacklist—to adapt the novel. Sunset at Crazy Horse By Howard Rigsby.
He entrusted the direction to Robert Aldrich, the author of several memorable westerns such as Apache and Vera Cruz, which had recently suffered some public setbacks. If the film is heated between two powerful men, it does not prevent the film from becoming one of the best Westerns of all time and undoubtedly one of the director’s greatest achievements.
In the 1960s, the western genre, which had reached its peak during the previous decade, was undergoing significant changes. Like Marlon Brando’s Revenge of Two Faces or Sam Peckinpah’s New Mexico, El Perdido bears witness to this change.
The classic story concerns the transport of herds, combined with hunting. There are other common codes: picturesque natural environment (filming took place in Mexico), conflicts between heroes and Indians or bandits.
But the film is also tinged with melodrama, which gives pride of place to the psychology of the characters (played by Kirk Douglas, Rock Hudson, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Malone and Carol Linley). In addition to the final duel, the unexpected conclusion of which surprises, it also deals with more mature themes and, above all, bold themes at the time, such as suicide, sexuality and incest.
annoying but underappreciated work, El Perdido It’s worth the detour.
El Perdido Robert Aldrich with Kirk Douglas, Rock Hudson, Dorothy Malone…
Tonight on Arte at 21:00.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
