For the life of me I can't understand all of the "greatest westerns of all time" arguments. I am a big fan of Larry McMurtry and Hud (Horseman Pass By) and The Last Picture Show are both big favorites of mine. What is really interesting to me is that while the two feature films don't really have a lot happening they never ever drag. As for LD, very little happens and I for one am always aware of that fact. If it weren't for the acting of a few of the principles I would have rated it a 2 or 3. Jones and Duvall are as reliable as ever, as are Chris Cooper, Diane Lane, Barry Corbin and the Mexican actors. The problem lies with the plot and the characterization. The characters have zero identifiable motivation for almost everything they do. (Glenn Headly and Frederic Forrest are particularly guilty.) The twelve hours here might have been merited had there been a story to develop, but there was none.
Review of Lonesome Dove
