Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
Why the 60s and 70s were peak cinema.
Presentation:
If typical westerns aren’t your thing, then look no further. Paul Newman and Robert Redford team up again as the titular dynamic duo that makes you immediately think of The Sting. There are many similarities between these two films though this one will be more your cup of tea if you’re looking for more gravitas. It’s still a semi-lighthearted caper but a unique take on westerns that is more character focused. I think it’s one of my favorite westerns for that reason. The presentation of this film is far ahead of its time even outclassing modern films today. In the first 20 minutes we have 2 of the most epic character intros followed by explosive high production action. The chemistry of the duo is more charismatic than in The Sting and you really fall in love with them. The low contrast expansive landscapes with film noir shadows in the interiors really capture that classic film era style.
Conclusion:
This film blew me away in just the first 10 minutes. It’s smart, doesn’t take the audience for chumps and the story is excellent. When they say the 60s and 70s were peak cinema, it’s because of films like this one. If nothing else than the intimate and compelling cinematography, watch this if you want to experience a classic that feels like it could be made today. Perhaps the best duo in classic cinema.
Recommendations
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