I used to love this movie; I first saw it maybe 15 to 20 years ago.
It shows what great can do, of course.
But now once it gets to just over 2 hours and 2 minutes, there's a serious problem with it:
The laugh.
I hated the laugh for the first time several years ago. I felt the laugh by Howard (Huston) is so incredibly fake and overdone; I still thank that, but I also think that no one would really actually laugh at what happened; if they did, they might shake their head and then laugh a small one for a moment at how TRAGIC things turned out; they certainly wouldn't be laughing their heads off at losing a fortune like he does. While I get this is about how terrible greed is - something I LIKE pointed out in movies - this ending is just terrible.
The whole issue of greed affecting one's mind is pointed out well by Dobbs' behavior let alone his fate. Most people also do not have an entire village of people treating them as a savior or God for saving a child, by the way, and having him set for life; he would just have lost his money, and be destitute.
Another problem with the ending: the suggestion that the widow of Cody would want to be visited in person Curtin by with the money? Stupid idea, and one that seems to suggest "go and comfort the widow" (read: take advantage of)
The movie was damn good up until the last 4 minutes, then it all goes to hell. A shame.
I suppose people who are well-off money-wise and have the rest of their lives set can enjoy the ending and not be angry, not feel like wanting to punch that guy right in the face when he starts his stupid "laugh." It ruined everything about this movie.
It shows what great can do, of course.
But now once it gets to just over 2 hours and 2 minutes, there's a serious problem with it:
The laugh.
I hated the laugh for the first time several years ago. I felt the laugh by Howard (Huston) is so incredibly fake and overdone; I still thank that, but I also think that no one would really actually laugh at what happened; if they did, they might shake their head and then laugh a small one for a moment at how TRAGIC things turned out; they certainly wouldn't be laughing their heads off at losing a fortune like he does. While I get this is about how terrible greed is - something I LIKE pointed out in movies - this ending is just terrible.
The whole issue of greed affecting one's mind is pointed out well by Dobbs' behavior let alone his fate. Most people also do not have an entire village of people treating them as a savior or God for saving a child, by the way, and having him set for life; he would just have lost his money, and be destitute.
Another problem with the ending: the suggestion that the widow of Cody would want to be visited in person Curtin by with the money? Stupid idea, and one that seems to suggest "go and comfort the widow" (read: take advantage of)
The movie was damn good up until the last 4 minutes, then it all goes to hell. A shame.
I suppose people who are well-off money-wise and have the rest of their lives set can enjoy the ending and not be angry, not feel like wanting to punch that guy right in the face when he starts his stupid "laugh." It ruined everything about this movie.