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Burt Reynolds is... Navajo Joe.

Started by Neville, October 29, 2008, 05:53:36 PM

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Neville



Ditto.

Of all the filmakers that did Spaghetti westerns, Sergio Corbucci is probably one of my least favourites. His films are entertaining enough, but I always like better when he plays his films straight, as he did in "The great silence" or in this one, than when he starts putting too much faith on the weirdness (say "Django") or in the humour (say "CompaƱeros") to liven up less than tightly paced films.

Not that "Navajo Joe" is free of weidness or unintentional humour, but most of it seems, well, unintentional. The "Indian" characterization of Burt Reynolds is chuckle inducing by itself, but then you have a film where an indian a native American spends the whole time killing white people without virtually nobody bothering to mention the race issue. Also amusing is the casting of Fernando "The French Connection" Rey, sans beard, as a smug looking priest.

So, what else? Not much but also quite a lot. As a straight forward, action packed western, there are far worse options out there. Reynolds is beliveable as a killing machine, Ennio Morricone delivers a fantastic score and the numerous action scenes are indeed well handled. But then, if you're looking for the distinctive humour and over the top weirdness that SW usually offers, this is not your movie. "Navajo Joe" rather plays the mimetism card and tries to pass itself by an American B-movie, but I don't think they cheated anyone out of their money.

Due to the horrifying nature of this film, no one will be admitted to the theatre.

The Burgomaster

This has been on my "movies I will get around to watching someday" list for many years.  Thanks for reminding me . . .
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone."