MovieChat Forums > Red River (1948) Discussion > One of the greatest

One of the greatest

posted 22 years ago by alienbx
14 replies | jump to latest

"Red River" is one of the great films. It's the age old "father versus son" as a western. It includes many fine scenes that are classics. The stampede comes to mind. And of course, many fine performances, from John Wayne, Monty Clift, and Walter Brennan all the way down the line (John Ireland, Joanne Dru, Harry Carey, Jr. and Dan White.) Watch those fabulous close-ups as the men start their cattle across the nation, and watch them again as the stampede starts. Listen to the awesome music. Laugh at the sublte humor. Watch the fabulous crossing of the big river. Imagine the craft of Hollywood in 1948!!

[–] simba-18 20 years ago

The yee haw scene brought tears to my eyes. I don't know why. I really love that scene. City Slickers shamelessly ripped it off.

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] kesselchamp 20 years ago

I don't know that I would consider the City Slickers scene a "ripoff" of the yee-haw scene, since the characters actually acknowledge that the scene is what gives them the idea. I think it's one of the most iconic moments in film, and that they really were just "paying homage" to it. I know a lot of filmmakers say they are paying homage to certain films when they're really just ripping them off, so I don't use that term very often, but I think in this case it really is appropriate. Would you agree with that?

[–] mikelogics 20 years ago

When is a homage NOT a rip off? Good question. I guess the bottom line is, when you acknowledge the previous work, its a homage. Just like the footnote on your thesis that cites another person's ideas.

But that's an academic paper. How do you do it on film? I guess the most subtle way to acknowledge another director's work is to make it in such a way where there would be no doubt in anyone's mind that the scene was copied from an all too familiar scene. Case in point is the train station scene in Brian De Pama's Untouchables. Anyone who has seen it and Battleship Potempkin would obviously know that the scene was "lifted".

Brian De Palma doesn't hide it, in fact, he makes it obvious!

[–] Glorfindel1958 19 years ago

"When is a homage NOT a rip off?"

I think there's a difference between ripping off a relatively new movie and paying homage to an old classic. Everyone knows the classic by heart, so the filmmakers aren't trying to get away with copying, they're just paying homage.

Want a film version of THE HOBBIT? Go to http://www.thehobbitfilm.com/!

[–] The_Moviegeek 20 years ago

I agree this is a terrific film. It is one of Hawks' better films, along with Rio Bravo and His Girl Friday.
J
"Oh Benson. My dear Benson you are so mercifully free of the ravages of intelligence"-Time Bandits

[–] Irving-Joey 19 years ago

Red River is a masterpiece and probably the third or fourth greatest western of all time --- right up there with Shane, High Noon and The Searchers. A classic, landmark movie.

[–] msswagg 18 years ago

I absolutely agree with those four. I would rate Red River number one in westerns. Maybe High Noon, number two. The "Great" western category is really pretty slim isn't it? I love westerns but I haven't seen one that is any better than OK in my book since, maybe, Hombre.

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] Percivalx 18 years ago

Agreed! Great dramatic story. Stunning photography. A well written screenplay. A fine cast. Wayne's performance is, without a doubt, among his best. One of the best westerns ever made!

[–] bucinaus 18 years ago

i agree

[–] 18 years ago

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[–] Trouter2000 18 years ago

I agree with you, Red River is one of the greatest westerns of all time. Showcasing good all around performances, and some impressive direction from Howard Hawks.

It isn't on the same level as Rio Bravo, but it is a very good piece of cinema regardless.

[–] joekiddlouischama 11 years ago

It's the age old "father versus son" as a western.

The film's central conflict is about even more than that. It's also about competing modes of masculinity and which is preferable, or optimal, or even viable in terms of building or shaping America. It's about generational conflicts and the meaning of maleness and the West.

Red River is an allegorical film, but one with an intimate character focus and without a hint of pretentiousness. It is one of the most important Westerns and movies from Hollywood's "Golden Age," and also a very enjoyable one.