Kevin Kline + Linda Hunt

I agree, generally. There were real sparks and I forsee more of a future betwenn Paden and Stella than between Paden and the farmer's widow. The widow was pretty clear she didn't see much of a future for Paden and her anyway. Of course, that could change, especially if she got lonelier through the years. The possible romantic triangle might have made an interesting sub-plot in a sequel, which I'm sorry never got made.

And I did find Linda Hunt oddly attractive in this movie.

I personally do not think there was any romantic feelings between the two. I think they just genuinely liked and respected each other.

I honestly thought there was more of a chance of an Emmitt/Hannah pairing than a Paden/Hannah one. There were a couple of signs that hinted strongly that Hannah and Emmitt had feelings for one another.

The tone of the conversation at the party was definitely different from a casual chat. There was obvious emotion. And her last statement, "You know where I'll be", and more importantly the way she said it, seemed to be her way of subtly telling him that when he came back from California, she would still be there and open to pursuing a relationship.

Now, as for Paden and Stella, it is really hard to define their chemistry. It would be ridiculous to say there was no possibility of romantic feelings between the two. Having said that, it is still entirely possible that their chemistry was the chemistry of two people with similar interests, personalities, humor, and convictions. Great friendships between men and women happen quite a bit, and though there is sometimes an element of sexual tension, they can remain friends without ever really getting romantically involved.

I do love their connection, though. Truthfully, I could just watch a movie of the two of them conversing and be satisfied. They really are fascinating characters with a very wonderful chemistry. Kevin Kline & Linda Hunt play those parts beautifully.

I love how Lawrence Kasdan chose to cast Linda Hunt in the role instead of a token "Ms. Kitty" type of saloon owner.

There's a chance for a romantic relationship, but I didn't read it that way at all. I saw the relationship between Stella and Paden as something more rare, and deeper: kindred spirits. Two like-minded souls who find each other by chance, and are immediately drawn to one another. These encounters grown into the deepest of friendships, and are rare even in romantic encounters.

To me, it would almost lessen their connection were they to become romantic. Soulmates are so much harder to find.

I actually saw Silverado the night it opened in 1985; I was just out of high school, and we went to the movies just about every weekend. It was a big deal because the western genre was considered just about dead. I remember coming out of the theater thinking it was awesome. I've seen it several times since(It's on right now in fact), and it is still a fun movie.

Secondly, Kevin Cline and Linda Hunt are both fantastic actors, so the chemistry between them just made them both that much better. It would have been interesting if they had expanded on that relationship, and I would have loved to have seen a sequel.

Glad you finally found this movie.

Best Wishes,

Fitz

I imagine that the role of Stella was written for a conventionally pretty actress who was supposed to have standard romantic sparks with Paden. When they cast Linda Hunt, it definitely changed the vibe of the relationship. I guess the filmmakers liked the ambiguity.

The Kline-Hunt pairing was one of the most memorable parts of the film. I also see it as a meeting of mind and spirit without the encumbrance of a romance. But as you said, it was possibly originally written for a more conventionally attractive actress. Given the time period, I can imagine Kathleen Turner in the role, and that would have changed the chemistry considerably.

I for one sure am glad they didn't have any kind of romantic scenes between them as it was not needed and they just seemed to be good friends as they both had similar likes and respect for each other. I liked the way it turned out