The Appaloosa (1966)

A curious little western with only three things going for it: Marlon Brando in the lead role, an energetic, though somewhat stereotypical supporting performance from John Saxon as his Mexican adversary (he went on to play further Mexican roles whilst not being of Mexican heritage) and the fine looking steed of the film's title (though oddly, it really only appears in limited scenes).Unfortunately the film ends up being quite dull with little action and interminably long and repetitive conversational scenes that annoy through the overuse of extreme close-ups of the characters' faces. Director Furie was obviously attempting to ape Sergio Leone, but fails miserably, particularly in his staging of the few "action scenes" in the movie. As he did in his previous film, The Ipcress File, he insists on filming at odd angles, long distances and behind other objects to virtually empty these scenes of any excitement they may have fostered, if handled by more talented directors.The film ends up being drained of all life and I for one can understand why Brando apparently had very little time for it. Be prepared for disappointment.

John Saxon and Anjannete Comer cast as Mexicans was as awful as Marlon Brando or Mickey Rooney cast as Asians.Brando's heart simply wasn't in this film and it showed, especially in the scene when his horse is stolen and he drunkenly tries to shoot a rifle. More Buster Keaton than Brando. The single purpose of Brando's adopted Mexican family seems to be yelling, "Matteo, Matteo!" in turn by each of them whenever Brando shows up.It seemed that this film was written as it was shot, considering the actions of Frank Silvera in the confrontation at his home, among others. Also, Brando putting his prized horse in harm's way, then lassoing his gun and accurately shooting a great distance into the pines??? Oh well, it's still Brando, and worth watching.

This is Brando's 'spaghetti Western,' released at the height of that sub-genre's popularity in 1966, but only in terms of style since the film was shot in California and Utah rather than Spain. The Southwestern scenery is spectacular and worth the price of admission. Imagine one of Sergio Leone's spaghetti Westerns but with gritty realism rather than goofiness and you'd have a good idea of what the film's like."The Appaloosa" is essentially a revenge tale entailing Brando's trip to Mexico to get his horse back. John Saxon stars as the villain who steals Brando's horse after beating him up while in a drunken stupor. Ajanette Comer plays the babe.I wasn't all that impressed with the story the first time I saw it, especially since I compared it with Brando's Western masterpiece "One-Eyed Jacks" (a powerful precursor to the spaghetti Western and the only film Marlon directed). The story in "The Appaloosa" is rather slow-paced with few action scenes. I saw it again recently and it dawned on me that the director and writer were not shooting for a run-of-the-mill Western. In the mid-to-late 60's it became fashionable to make films as gritty and realistic as possible. (Brando's "The Night of the Following Day" from 1968 is a good example). What would happen in REAL life if a man went to Mexico in the late 1800's and tried to retrieve his stolen horse? This picture shows you. Consider the confrontation-in-a-saloon scene; we naturally expect it to end in a clichéd brawl or shoot-out. It doesn't. In other words, it sneers at Western conventions. Or how about the final shoot-out? Some have complained that it's uneventful and quick, yet isn't this the way such death-duels end in real life most of the time? In short, don't expect "The Appaloosa" to play like a Hollywood blockbuster or typical spaghetti Western with corny one-liners and goofy action scenes.Another thing I like about the film is the Brando Character's relationship with his adopted Mexican family, which shows genuine kinship and warmth that transcends blood ties. Same thing with his relationship with an old man in Mexico.So "The Appaloosa" is worthwhile, but the story drags and holds it back from greatness. Still, if you're in the mood for a Mexican Western with slow-moving realism, look no further.GRADE: C+ or B- Brando made two other Westerns and both are masterpieces, albeit totally different: The aforementioned "One-Eyed Jacks" from 1961 and "The Missouri Breaks", which was released 15 years later and co-stars Jack Nicholson. Brando played one of his most fascinating characters in the latter, an eccentric loner who takes jobs killing horse thieves.

A much maligned western that is actually a really good, very tightly made suspense film featuring a terrific Marlon Brando performance as well as an unexpectedly great turn by John Saxon. Brando drifts into a border-town and crosses paths with Mexican hot head Saxon. Saxon steals Brando's beloved horse (the appaloosa of the title) and a game of cat and mouse ensues during which Brando acquires Saxon's desperate wife (the oddly cast Anjanette Comer). Brando is exceptional and Saxon is really great as the villain. However, Comer is very under-utilized --- unfortunately she has a pretty thankless role and has little chemistry with Brando. Directed with a lot of flair by Sidney J. Furie and featuring excellent cinematography by Russell Metty.