MovieChat Forums > Silverado (1985) Discussion > I hated this film

I hated this film

posted 16 years ago by O_Possum
23 replies | jump to latest

I had heard good things about this, but I found it was nothing but a string of Western cliches.

When they told the story about Kevin Kline saving the dog, I just wanted to turn it off and walk away. Screenwriters use the phrase "pet the dog" to describe a scene that shows the hero is a good person. It's not supposed to be taken literally Kasdans! Use some imagination! Good lord.

What a mess.

http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19910506,00.html
Scientology: Cult of Greed

[–] llegallo14 13 years ago

Of course it was a string of Western cliches...that's exactly what it was supposed to be. Just like Body Heat was a string of Noir cliches, Raiders a string of B-movie action cliches, etc.

[–] gizmos59 12 years ago

Exactly! It was meant to be a tongue-in-cheek homage to the westerns of the 40's & 50's. I've always seen it as much a satire as a western. When watched in that context, some of the cliches are pretty humorous. It's not taking itself seriously & neither should the viewer.

"It's you & me, Walter...right down the line." - Phyllis Deidrickson

[–] lexyladyjax 12 years ago

How anyone could take a film with John Cleese as a sheriff of a Western town seriously is beyond this viewer. The film seems to have gone over the majority of the heads of the viewing public. That's too bad, because it never fails to make me smile and laugh.

It's a stunning film as well. The actors, their chemistry, the incredible cinematography showing western America in all her beauty and glory, the costumes, even the scope of the story are most enjoyable. The raiders trapped in the box canyon made a fascinating subplot while demonstrating the four chance-met trail friends worked together well.

This writer especially enjoyed the horse stunts and trick riding. They're challenging and extremely well done in this film. Kevin Costner performed many of his own stunts. That begs the question. Is it possible that those who hated this one are viewers immune to films unless they're crammed with special F/X and multiple green screen explosions? To each their own. Whenever SILVERADO is on, this viewer's satellite box is tuned to the channel and her DVR is recording.

[–] davidwile 12 years ago

Hey folks,

I'm with Lexladyjax. Full of old Western cliches? Not to me. It was full of old Western themes used by many older Western films. The same Western films that used the same themes that were used by even older Western films. And, yes, I also liked the Indiana Jones films even though many folks might say they were filled with old cliches.

I like "Lonsome Dove" and "Open Range" more, but I sure do enjoy watching "Silverado" every couple of years.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

[–] Clintessence 12 years ago

Here! Here!

I, too, enjoy viewing "Silverado" every few years. I recall it came out in the 80's along with "Pale Rider", and it was at a time when the Western was fading into the sunset like the heroes of old. For those of us who love the genre, these two movies were like an oasis in the desert for the weary traveler. Even though the Western genre is largely passed over by the younger genereation today, there have been a few great Westerns in the last 25 years like the afore mentioned "Lonesome Dove", and "Open Range". Plus, "The Unforgiven", "True Grit", "Quigley Down Under", "Appaloosa", "3:10 To Yuma", and I'm sure I've forgotten a few. And how about the AMC series, "Hell On Wheels"?

Best Wishes,
Clintessence

[–] Dave_at_23 12 years ago

To the OP:

Your opinion, sir. Personally, I loved it!