MovieChat Forums > The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) Discussion > On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you t...

On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you think this film has aged?

posted 13 years ago by AbdulBenHassan
43 replies | jump to latest

Looking back at this film, one can certainly feel hard-pressed to think this was made all in 1976. The characterization of Wales was perhaps Clint's most ambiguous and complex role at the time, when he seemed to be getting type-cast as an unstoppable badass thanks to his earlier roles. In fact, I see this as perhaps a deconstruction of his "Man with No Name" persona that made him famous in the first place.

Granted, there are some scenes, such as the final shootout, where it does come off as a very conventionally made Western, but other than that, I couldn't see how this film is in anyway, dated.

Overall, I give it a 9.

[–] teacherdan 13 years ago

Best non-John Wayne western there is. 10

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Kompressor_Fan 13 years ago

10/10

A true classic that has stood the test of time.

"He'd kill us if he got the chance."
--The Conversation

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] JEyler1183 13 years ago

This film to me hasn't aged one bit. It should be if it's not already in the National Library Of Congress for Film achievement. I consider this film and Unforgiven to be the best western's of the later half of the 20th Century. I can't wait to see what Eastwood has in store for us yet. I did hear rumors that he was going to star in a road film slated to be released in 2013. He will be 83 years old then. Clint Eastwood is somebody that I never thought or considered to age, although it is very much apparent that today he does look like his real age of 82. When Clint passes away which I hope doesn't happen until another 40 years, that will be one of the worst days of my life.

[–] mpofarrell 13 years ago

I think it's a genuine classic. In fact I think it ranks right up there and in some cases is a far better movie than some of his more recent work.The Outlaw Josie Wales proved once and for all that Clint Eastwood was capable of making a great film. As for the Western Genre, this is one of the finest westerns ever made, in my opinion. Eastwood hit a slam dunk again with Pale Rider (1985) and of course Unforgiven in '92. I think Eastwood is in his element making westerns, whereas he is less successful outside that medium. I found Mystic River very uneven despite the often impressive acting and individual powerful scenes. The Kevin Bacon subplot involving his estranged wife was embarrassingly bad. Million Dollar Baby was basically a good old fashioned melodrama, expertly done but a very safe choice for the Oscar for Best Picture. Of his recent films I liked both Flags of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima, a one-two punch effort that was extremely impressive and the high point of his recent work.

[–] mpofarrell 13 years ago

JEyler1183 : Perhaps you may have found out by now, but The Outlaw Josie Wales was added to The National Film Registry for preservation in 1996, I believe. So it shares good company with The Great Train Robbery, The Iron Horse, The Big Trail, Stagecoach, The Ox Bow incident,My Darling Clementine, Red River,High Noon, The Naked Spur, Johnny Guitar, The Searchers, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, Ride The High Country, How The West Was Won, The Wild Bunch, Dances With Wolves and Unforgiven.

[–] jstang411 13 years ago

Much easier for historical pieces to age well and this one has done even better than most of those.

10

[–] kaiser858 13 years ago

I say it stands up .... unlike the old broad I give it 9 donkey's

[–] tiger01 12 years ago

As embarrassing as it is, I only just saw this movie (and Pale Rider) for the first time last night on the AMC "We Love Clint" marathon or whatever they called it. I love Clint Eastwood and have seen a ton of his movies but just had never gotten around to seeing either of these.

From an honest assessment, I think the first 5-10 minutes of both movies were relatively weak compared to some of Clint's other films, but that said, they both just sucked me into the movie not long after that. And that is hard to do, especially with many movies coming out these days.

I loved the character of Josey and the perspective he gives on post Civil War southern America. The film really deals well with moral and historical issues but does it without being too preachy, imho, which works really well. I especially liked the scene between Josey and the Comanche chief as well as the final scene with Fletcher which is a surprising turn and brilliantly written.

I would say that the film is long in places or rather that it adds more situations for Josey to encounter giving it a slightly meandering pace at times. Also, the climax with the redlegs Union commander and his demise felt a little rushed though I'm not sure if AMC cut anything out (it said just edited for content, not time). Overall though, I was thoroughly entertained and impressed and was pissed whenever a commercial came around. It holds up very well today with interested story, subject matter, and great acting performances. 8/10 from me in terms of holding up. A true American classic.

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

7.3

“Can't go wrong with taupe."- Wynn Duffy

[–] turtletommy 12 years ago

I gave the film a 10 and still do but I agree that the Redlegs' Terrill's final comeuppance was disappointing and not as satisfying as it could have been. But this is a western classic and I think Eastwood's best film as actor and director. Some outstanding supporting performances as well.

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

yes, i agree. still a classic.

“Can't go wrong with taupe."- Wynn Duffy

[–] jidici 12 years ago

It hasnt aged a bit. Eastwood made a movie that was accurate even though he romanticized his own character which is the magic of his fomula. Compare it to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or The Wild Bunch and youll see what has aged well and what has not.

[–] vanzant38 12 years ago

The perfect Western.
The perfect Epic Western.
CE's Greatest achievement. That includes his kids(I suppose he has kids, IDK).

Maybe I'm diluted but I will say that Josey Wales hasn't aged.

TEN.

[–] pietroricci 9 years ago

This is a 10.