68. Unforgiven (1992)

Retired Old West gunslinger William Munny reluctantly takes on one last job, with the help of his old partner and a young man.

It seems very fitting that Clint Eastwood’s last Western would be a Revisionist Western. Having built a career acting in “good guy vs. bad guy” type films, it is refreshing to see that the final one has blurred lines between who is good and who is bad.

Technically, Clint Eastwood’s character and Morgan Freeman’s character are the bad guys. They are the ones riding into town to murder two working men. However, one of those two working men slashed a woman’s face to pieces. And the sheriff of the town, known as Little Bill, played by Gene Hackman, let’s them go with just a slap on the wrist, really. But, the sheriff is supposed to be the good guy, right? Well, clearly not in this film. Little Bill is a sheriff who abuses his power over others left and right. Plus, he’s a horrible carpenter.

Now, if you’ve read some of my other blog posts in the past, you will know that I can never stay awake during Westerns. I can’t name you one that has kept my attention enough to keep me awake, save for maybe Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and this film. The cinematography, alone, in this film kept my attention. Jack N. Green does a phenomenal job, making use of the landscape.

I mean, just look at how freaking beautiful this shot is. 

William Munny, Clint Eastwood’s character, pretty much snapping back into his old self at the end of the film was fantastic. The low, raspy voice and the “take no bullshit” attitude was exactly what I was waiting for.

All in all, I enjoyed this film. Is it one that I would purchase to add to my own collection? Probably not. Would I watch it again? I suppose.

P.S. Anybody out there that loves Westerns, please tell me why. I’m being completely serious. I want to like them, but I just don’t. Tell me why I should. Please and thank you.

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