The Unforgiven (1992) movie Review
"Unforgiven" unfolds during a pivotal moment when the Old West is transitioning into the new. Professional gunfighters, once a common sight, are now rare, with journalists trailing them for stories. Men who once slept under the open sky are settling down in houses. William Munny, a former thief and murderer, has turned to hog farming for a living. The Wild West of legend persists in the memories of those transitioning to the middle class by 1880. In a few decades, iconic figures like Wyatt Earp would find themselves mingling in Hollywood.
Clint Eastwood, the director of "Unforgiven," appears to have chosen this period because it resonated with his own life stage. Having started as a young gunslinger in TV and early Sergio Leone films, he matured under the mentorship of Don Siegel in films like "Coogan's Bluff" and "Two Mules for Sister Sara." Now in his 60s, Eastwood, a director himself, pays homage to Leone and Siegel, both of whom had passed away. With the Western genre losing its appeal to science fiction and special effects, "Unforgiven" serves as a poignant farewell.
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The film's visual style captures the essence of a bygone era. Opening with a shot of a house, a tree, and a man at a graveside as the sun sets, it symbolizes the end of an era. Wide-screen exteriors highlight the vastness of the land, while indoor scenes, bathed in strong backlighting, depict the impact of civilized living on the characters.
William Munny, struggling as a hog farmer, faces financial challenges after the death of his beloved Claudia. His encounter with the Schofield Kid, offering cash for bounty hunting, marks a turning point. Munny, once known as cold and fearless, reveals the influence of his wife in reforming him, having abstained from whiskey and wickedness for over a decade. The film elegantly portrays the changing landscape and the personal transformations of its characters.
In "Unforgiven," William Munny is a changed man, a former killer and outlaw who embraced a more civilized life through marriage. The film internalizes the classic Western theme of violent men being "civilized" by figures like schoolmarms, preachers, and judges. When Munny talks about his wife, he sounds remorseful, like a determined little boy vowing not to be bad anymore.
The Schofield Kid, naming himself after his revolver, shares a story of a brutal attack on a prostitute in Wyoming, offering a tempting bounty. Munny, now a struggling hog farmer in need of money, faces the incompetence of bounty hunters, including the Kid, who can't shoot straight. Munny's physical limitations add a layer of humility as he reflects on past sins.
Initially rejecting the Kid's offer, Munny eventually changes his mind, recruiting old partner Ned Logan. The narrative alternates between their journey and life in Big Whiskey, where Sheriff Little Bill Daggett rules harshly, enforcing a no-guns policy. The story unfolds in classic Western fashion, with the corrupt sheriff and righteous outlaw on a collision course, emphasizing personal settlement over the bounty. The film reveals a town's vibrant life, eschewing the tradition of a dominant star, drawing inspiration from Western masters like John Ford, who created rich communities in their movies.
Notable supporting roles include Richard Harris as English Bob, a retired gunfighter, followed by a curious writer, W. W. Beauchamp. The screenplay, by David Webb Peoples, avoids the star-centric approach, embracing the Western tradition of a diverse cast and community dynamics. The movie captures the essence of the Old West, intertwining personal transformations and a rich tapestry of characters against the backdrop of a changing era.
In the town, Strawberry Alice, the madam, seeks revenge for the mutilation of her girl Delilah. Skinny Dubois, the bar and brothel owner, has practical concerns, wanting compensation for his investment. In the evolving West, some now turn to the law instead of settling disputes themselves.
The movie's final act revolves around William Munny's quest to avenge his friend Ned's death and public humiliation. Eastwood showcases his mastery in action sequences, learned from Leone and Siegel, delivering a story with deliberate strategy instead of a dull montage of violence. The once-hapless hog farmer is transformed into the efficient figure of vengeance from Eastwood's earlier roles.
The intriguing title raises questions about Munny seeking forgiveness for past wrongs. Despite reforming, he harbors guilt and unfinished business. Munny's need for bounty money to support his kids clashes with the risk he takes against fresher gunfighters.
Beyond his star status, Eastwood shines as a major director, exploring various genres. "Unforgiven" joins his unique films like "Bird," "The Bridges of Madison County," and "A Perfect World," using the Western genre to delve into human nature.
A memorable exchange occurs when the fatally wounded Little Bill protests his undeserved fate, building a house. Munny's response, "Deserve's got nothin' to do with it," highlights the moral balance of the Western. While not everyone gets what they deserve, Munny ensures justice prevails. This unyielding moral core is central to the Western genre, and Eastwood doesn't shy away from emphasizing it.