First rate Western

Rating: 10/10 (23 December 2011)

Director James Mangold, participating in great collaboration with cast and crew, has used the classic genre to tell a contemporary story. The result is a gripping and absorbing tale, in which a great script is propelled forward briskly with great performances, most notably by Christian Bale as the down on his luck ex-soldier turned rancher looking at chance to redeem himself in the eyes of his family (and perhaps himself?); Russell Crowe as the charismatic and yet ruthless robber; and Ben Foster has his loyal but psychotic second in command to Russell Crowe's character.
Bale plays his role quiet low key and controlled, and the way his character is taken advantage of at the beginning of the film generates considerable sympathy for him and makes his journey through the rest of the story compelling refreshing and not stereotypical. Crowe is particularly impressive as a clever and ruthless leader of his gang of robbers, but his very subtle take that his character is getting tired of his life, and his gradual bonding to Bale's character is genuinely fascinating to watch. Ben Foster portrays a borderline psychotic in a manner that also avoids stereotyping, and also results in an absorbing performance.
These actors are ably supported by good supporting turns by Peter Fonda, Alan Tudyk, Dallas Roberts, and Logan Lerman as Bale's character's son. In fact it is the character interplay which is the driving heart of the film, and keeps you transfixed throughout. This interplay is brilliantly facilitated by writer-director Mangold, who sets it in a spectacular environment and embellishes the story well-handled and exciting action sequences. Kudos go to Phedon Papamichael's photography, Michael McCusker's editing, Andrew Menzies's production design, Arriane Phillips costume work and able support from the sound mixing team and the stunt crew. It really makes a difference that the film accomplishes so much in camera rather than relying on digital effects, and is so much better for it.
However the most trenchant technical contribution has to be from Marco Beltrami's brilliant score, that creates to terrific mood and helps propel the story along to its interesting and thoughtful conclusion.
The film further cements James Mangold's reputation as one of Hollywood most eclectic directors and one of the best for drawing excellent yet accessible performances from his actors.