Superb use of close-ups, real feel of the old west

Rating: 8/10 (2 October 2007)

In all great westerns it is the faces that tell the tale, and this excellent remake of the old classic is no exception. The close-ups in this movie are fantastic, and you really sense the pain these men have to endure in order to reach (or not, as the case may be!) their goals, both physical and metaphorical. My one great problem with this movie, and this is true of most westerns, is the role of the women, who are seen as classic examples of the Madonna/whore paradagm. This aside, the movie does capture the atmosphere of the west wonderfully well. You can feel the dust on you face, the snow falling on your clothing, and smell the smoky insides of the saloons. Also, my local cinema has a great sound system, so the shots really do whistle around your head. If it is a good, old fashioned shot 'em you are looking for, this is the movie for you!