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Ed Harris, along with his backup man and best friend, Viggo Mortensen, are peacekeepers for hire. After the Marshall of Appaloosa is gunned down by Bragg, a mean and dangerous local rancher ( Jeremy Irons ), the town fathers bring in Harris and Mortensen. The task of returning peace and justice to the town of Appaloosa is complicated by the arrival of Renee Zellweger, a woman unlike any Harris has ever known. He becomes smitten with her and this causes friction between Harris and his friend Mortensen, who sees Zellweger for who she really is: a woman who will do anything to survive, which includes being unfaithful to Harris. This unlikable woman plays an important role in the dramatic conclusion where Mortensen shows us exactly what true friendship is all about.
Ed Harris directed, produced and co-scripted the screenplay, based on the novel by Robert B. Parker. Although this is a western of substance, I would not put it in a classic category like Unforgiven, or even Open Range. There are similiarities to The Assassination Of Jessee James in that Appaloosa is a character-driven western and this type of movie usually moves slowly and offers limited action. Though I felt the editing could have been tighter in spots, it is obvious that Harris needed time to show us just what makes these characters tick, and he does an excellent job here.
The look, feel, and atmosphere are all authentic. As well I found myself believing that this is the way people behaved in that particular era.
The PQ on Blu-ray is okay, but lacked the detail I've seen in other Blu-ray westerns such as 3:10 to Yuma and The Assassination Of Jessee James. The audio, for most parts is quiet, but when the lead flies you hear what the sound of gunfire really sounds like.
So, those looking for a western with a lot of action will likely be disappointed with Appaloosa. But take it from me, this is a darn good well directed, well written and well acted western. And though the action may be limited, when the violence does happen it will have you at the edge of your seat.
A big :T for a job well done by Harris and company.
Ed Harris directed, produced and co-scripted the screenplay, based on the novel by Robert B. Parker. Although this is a western of substance, I would not put it in a classic category like Unforgiven, or even Open Range. There are similiarities to The Assassination Of Jessee James in that Appaloosa is a character-driven western and this type of movie usually moves slowly and offers limited action. Though I felt the editing could have been tighter in spots, it is obvious that Harris needed time to show us just what makes these characters tick, and he does an excellent job here.
The look, feel, and atmosphere are all authentic. As well I found myself believing that this is the way people behaved in that particular era.
The PQ on Blu-ray is okay, but lacked the detail I've seen in other Blu-ray westerns such as 3:10 to Yuma and The Assassination Of Jessee James. The audio, for most parts is quiet, but when the lead flies you hear what the sound of gunfire really sounds like.
So, those looking for a western with a lot of action will likely be disappointed with Appaloosa. But take it from me, this is a darn good well directed, well written and well acted western. And though the action may be limited, when the violence does happen it will have you at the edge of your seat.
A big :T for a job well done by Harris and company.
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