Bronco Billy

Bronco Billy (1980)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

The cowboy/dreamer Bronco Billy (Clint Eastwood) is barely keeping his Wild West show going but his luck's about to change when he gets involved with a woman (Sondra Locke) recently dumped by her husband. This is a rather interesting film as I've read that Eastwood says it's his favorite but at the same time I've read what a bomb it was at the box office when originally released. It's certainly understandable why most people would avoid this thing but that's a shame as it's a cute little film that manages to have enough charm but I doubt those wanting Dirty Harry will have much use for it. I wouldn't say I enjoyed the film all the way through as I did think there were some flaws including the ultra-long running time. A dreamy comedy like this one really didn't need to go on for nearly two-hours but some of that is due to the screenplay, which is quite predictable in regards to the ending. With that said one still has to admire Eastwood for trying a film like this because it's basically just about making your dreams come true. In the case of Eastwood's character, he always wanted to be a cowboy and he's doing whatever it takes to keep his show going even though modern audiences have grown tired of it. Eastwood gives a very good performance and once that will keep a smile on the viewers face. The actors hasn't had too many chances to play a nice and charming person but he handles the role very well. Locke is also quite good in her performance as the rich brat who eventually buys into the show of dreams. I found her performances to be quite good and she was very believable in the turns her character takes. Scatman Crothers. Geoffrey Lewis, Bill McKinney, Sam Bottoms and Sierra Pecheur all add nice support as well. I think a little editing would have helped the picture but then again I'm sure this is the type of film that would getting better on repeat viewings. I'm sure even today this isn't a title that Eastwood fans rush out to view but they should certainly give it a shot if for no other reason that to see the legend in a different light.

I am a Clint fan..this was one of my favorites. Not a red carpet Oscar type flick...even better. One that is enjoyable to watch and leaves you feeling good when it is over. It's been a long time since I've seen it. I have seen it several times. The chemistry between Clint and Sondra is pretty noticeable. Living in Texas, I can say that in many ways it touches upon the nature of things here, the way friends stick together, and the overall feeling of kinship that exists between people from all walks of life. So, if you want to kick back and watch a hoot of a little movie, this is it. After watching it, you may just find out how many people you have touched in your life without realizing it.

Eastwood once said that this was among his favourites of the films he directed. I understand why. Even though it's flawed, 'Bronco Billy' has heart and how can one not like a film about a circus group with intriguing characters. Let me start with the flaws (just to get them out of the way). I liked how the relationship was developing between Billy and Antoinette but in the second half the film felt rushed, as though Eastwood was suddenly in a hurry to finish the movie.

I've always been fascinated by the circus (the real ones, not the ones that torture animals) and was easily persuaded to see 'Bronco Billy' (alongside the fact that it's a Clint Eastwood film of course). I was quickly drawn to the interesting characters that include Billy, Lefty, Big Eagle, Running Water, Leo and so on). Each of them have left a painful past behind and Billy has given them a new purpose. The Antoinette Lily (what a sexy name for a character) character is sort of the typical spoiled-brat turned into affectionate woman type of leading lady but she is definitely amusing to watch.

All the actors perform well. Eastwood is solid as he's always been. He's brilliantly supported by Scatman Crothers, Geoffrey Lewis, Bill McKinney, Sam Bottoms, Dan Vadis and Sierra Pecheur. Sondra Locke shares fine chemistry with her leading man.

There's a subtle sense of adventure in 'Bronco Billy' which isn't realized right away. As the viewer is lead to follow these characters and experience their struggle and hardship at the same time their will to stick together and be there for one another while embracing the unpredictable life they lead, Eastwood shows that there is something beautiful and pure about that lifestyle.

'Bronco Billy' is quite well-crafted. The landscape is pleasing to the eyes. The score, lighting and cinematography are quite good. Editing is slightly uneven. The tongue in cheek humour stands out

Overall, for me, 'Bronco Billy' was a delight to watch. Eastwood's sincerity shows in this memorable little gem (thanks to the characters).

Here's a picture that works beautifully on several levels, including the philosophical (I kid you not). Approach it as a lighthearted caper, and you will be entertained. If you enjoy whimsy with a trace of fantasy, it will not disappoint you. How about a picture questioning the nature of reality, in which characters challenge and re-shape the identities that life seems to have foisted upon them? There are not many movies with such powerful ambitions, and fewer still that develop them in an oblique, yet perfectly comprehensible, manner. There is nothing the least bit heavy handed about this film; quite the opposite. Enter the special world it creates, and you will be rewarded both emotionally and intellectually.

(See what I mean? Now make sure you haven't missed "Finding Graceland" and "Pennies From Heaven.")

This film is not about Eastwood doing the stock 70's Eastwood, it is not about Sandra Locke, or about any other person's performance. The people in this film are lost, both in the social space of a world they cannot live in and in time. They lack most of the usual human equipment, like faith and hope (see Thomas McGuane's 'Panama'). But they blunder on, as much by default as by will, in the illusory world of Bronco Billy's road show and guided by Billy's real values, with each other. Like most of Eastwood's films, Bronco Billy is built around a story, but in this story how it comes out is not important, it is how Billy and this cast of lost souls get there. And the film has one the greatest lines in cinema history: The one Bronco Billy used to tell Antoinette what happened to his wife.