The Last Gunfighter’s Poignant Journey

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Shootist [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Drama, Romance, Western
Year Released: 1976, 2024 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Don Siegel
Writer(s): Glendon Swarthout, Miles Hood Swarthout, Scott Hale
Cast: John Wayne, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brian, Bill McKinney, Harry Morgan, John Carradine, Sheree North, Rick Lenz, Scatman Crothers, Christopher George, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Crawford
Where To Watch: available now, order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: What would this film have looked like if it had been made a few years earlier? With the legendary John Wayne and James Stewart both in poor health during filming, THE SHOOTIST feels like leafing through the concluding chapters of an epic saga, where Wayne delivers a performance that's as much an ode to his illustrious career as it is a heartfelt farewell to the Western genre. Directed with a particular sensitivity by Don Siegel, this journey invites us to ride alongside John B. Books, an iconic sharpshooter navigating the twilight of his life amidst the backdrop of a society on the brink of the future. It’s an introspective exploration, loaded with emotional depth, striking a chord on the relentless tide of change on a personal and societal level.

In this narrative, THE SHOOTIST offers a juxtaposition of times and morals. The film paints a portrait of Carson City straddling the line between the raw, untamed frontiers of yesteryear and the burgeoning dawn of the Industrial Revolution. The character of Books, embodied with gravitas by Wayne, is portrayed as a man caught between worlds, echoing the inner turmoil of characters grappling with their relevance in an ever-evolving world.

Central to the film's heart is the poignant relationship forged between Books, Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall), and her son Gillom (Ron Howard), which beautifully encapsulates the theme of passing the torch and the significance of legacies. This film had a stacked cast of past, present, and future stars. This relationship, devoid of vendettas and violence, pivots on the values passed down, marking the end of an era and the hopeful beginning of another. It is a powerful narrative, adding depth and human connection to the film’s more extensive commentary on societal transformation.

From its opening sequence, THE SHOOTIST secures its spot in the genre's lore, paying homage to Wayne’s legendary career through a montage that sets the tone for a film that elegantly bridges the past with the present. Siegel's directorial prowess, paired with the compelling performances of Stewart, Bacall, and Howard, tells a story that reflects not only the concept of legacy but also a dignified nod to the essence of Western storytelling.

Yet, amidst its reflective moments, the film doesn't shy away from addressing the bitter realities of legacy and mortality. Books’ dignified acceptance of his impending demise against a larger world yearning for fame and legend provides a sad reflection on the cost of living up to one's legend. The film’s climax, veering away from traditional Western showdowns, opts for a contemplative look at the end of life, offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

His real-life fight against cancer further deepens Wayne’s portrayal of Books. He brings an authentic vulnerability to his role, blurring the lines between character and actor. James Stewart, in particular, adds a layer of continuity, linking the Western genre’s past glories with its ever-evolving narrative.

As an ultimate farewell to John Wayne and the genre he helped define, THE SHOOTIST stands as an eloquent meditation on change, legacy, and the indelible impact of one's life story. It balances a reverence for Western traditions with a candid acknowledgment of progress, making it an essential watch for those intrigued by the dynamic relationship between history and storytelling.

THE SHOOTIST transcends its genre to become a respectful tribute to an era and its icons, masterfully marrying story with cinematic history. Although it doesn’t claim the mantle of perfection, its sincere narrative, standout performances, and insightful direction solidify its place as a pivotal piece in the tapestry of American film. Westerns aren’t necessarily my favorite genre, but this film felt different; it felt that it indeed was something more.

Bonus Materials
A new 2K remaster by Arrow Films from the original 35mm camera negative
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original lossless mono audio
Optional English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and critic Howard S. Berger
The Last Day, a new visual essay by film critic David Cairns
A Man-Making Moment, a new interview with Western author C. Courtney Joyner
Laments of the West, a new appreciation of Elmer Bernstein’s score by film historian and composer Neil Brand
Contemplating John Wayne: The Death of a Cowboy, a new visual essay by filmmaker and critic Scout Tafoya
The Shootist: The Legend Lives On, archival featurette
Theatrical trailer
Image Gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Juan Esteban Rodríguez
Six postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film critic Philip Kemp

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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