Blockbuster classic westerns are, of course, past-tense. If you still crave a good one you won't care as long as it respects the genre. Forsaken is a modest nod to the classics with many elements of those woven in. The story is anything but original, and the cast plays it straight and low-key. Overall it works.
Keifer Sutherland and Donald play a father and son reunited after a decade of exile due to deeply held differences. The occasion is a visit to see the ailing matriarch who has died before her son has returned unknown to him. Both Sutherlands are pros and they don't overplay their roles, bringing a bit of real angst underpinning both's desire for reconciliation. With the elder's disdain for violence, he's the town's preacher, and the son's penchant for gunslinging, he's renowned as man not to be trifled with, their division couldn't seem wider. This will be a dilemma put the test by the town fat cat who seeks to buy out the locals prior to the arrival of the railroad. His henchmen are plying their trade of murder to achieve their employer's goal. This, of course, puts John Henry Clayton, who has laid down his arms in a bid to make peace with his father, in a situation he can't extricate himself from.
Those who want to fault modesty in movies may turn away. I'd say they're missing out, as well as missing the point. This is like an ensemble cast and reverent director tipping their hats to the great westerns of all time in a purposely stripped down story. What it lacks in complexity and originality it makes up for in reverent simplicity. The backdrop of a west past is beautifully photographed. The roles portrayed seem right - even as the role the boss's right hand man, Dave, seems strange but will win one over by the ominous tone the fine actor Michael Wincott brings (he narrates a bit too). All in all, this is a small-scale enjoyable for those who appreciate the classics.
Keifer Sutherland and Donald play a father and son reunited after a decade of exile due to deeply held differences. The occasion is a visit to see the ailing matriarch who has died before her son has returned unknown to him. Both Sutherlands are pros and they don't overplay their roles, bringing a bit of real angst underpinning both's desire for reconciliation. With the elder's disdain for violence, he's the town's preacher, and the son's penchant for gunslinging, he's renowned as man not to be trifled with, their division couldn't seem wider. This will be a dilemma put the test by the town fat cat who seeks to buy out the locals prior to the arrival of the railroad. His henchmen are plying their trade of murder to achieve their employer's goal. This, of course, puts John Henry Clayton, who has laid down his arms in a bid to make peace with his father, in a situation he can't extricate himself from.
Those who want to fault modesty in movies may turn away. I'd say they're missing out, as well as missing the point. This is like an ensemble cast and reverent director tipping their hats to the great westerns of all time in a purposely stripped down story. What it lacks in complexity and originality it makes up for in reverent simplicity. The backdrop of a west past is beautifully photographed. The roles portrayed seem right - even as the role the boss's right hand man, Dave, seems strange but will win one over by the ominous tone the fine actor Michael Wincott brings (he narrates a bit too). All in all, this is a small-scale enjoyable for those who appreciate the classics.