THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976) ** " It's sad that governments are chiefed by the double tongues." Bicentennial release grimly celebrating the tribulations of the virtuous individual at the expense of the evil government. Clint Eastwood has directed himself several times at this point, but still isn't sure exactly how to do it. He knows only that it has something to do with shooting high cheekbones from below, slitting eyes, snarling challenges at the (even more) vulgar, dumping his ridiculous farmer hat for a cool cowboy one, and spitting wherever he damn well pleases. Of course Clint, Mr. Eastwood, was born for such roles, and as a director he does an incredible job of selecting locations-rarely has the West been shot with such raw, sullen, and characteristic beauty. Like so many directors Clint confuses his fascination with his girlfriend with her possessing leading lady acting skills; Sondra Locke looks young and innocent (of course we know she can't be, running with the Clint) but her delivery, while stammering, doesn't stammer in any manner germane. Of course back in those days no one watched Clint Eastwood movies to evaluate thespian achievement so the entire thing is arguably a tremendous success-plenty of scenes where the hero shoots lots of people at the same time without relinquishing the moral high road, a pretty damsel very distressed, guerilla warfare against the evil establishment, a tough character who tolerates diversity including Indians, religious ladies, hard drinkers and ugly dogs; the demographic appeal transcends the accepted boundaries of the day. The Jerry Fielding score is useless, irritating, distracting, in entirely the wrong historical epoch, and naturally nominated for an Oscar. "We thought about it for a long time, 'Endeavor to persevere.' And when we had thought about it long enough, we declared war on the Union."
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