markcrimson

One of my favorite films, and I have no clear reason why. If you can get some suspension of disbelief generated and enjoy the character movement, character tension, and the odd placement of surrealism and Gothic ambiance in a seemingly straight western, then watch White Buffalo right after Eraserhead or the Old Man in the Sea, or Moby Dick. However I think the whale wins, so, that example doesn't fit. I haven't read it. Too long. I don't read books anyway. The White Buffalo is a great film that evokes The Fearless Vampire Killers and Eraserhead at the same time, plus short stories you read in high school about hikers freezing to death in the snow because they could not get a fire started quickly enough.

Almost has a 'film noir' feeling. Has 'heavier' drama than what current TV shows depict. More 'real life' atmosphere than 'bigger than life'atmosphere which is what a lot of westerns go for. The sentiment of the past few decades is easily reanimated to potency in the post 911 USA. I've noticed that in viewing westerns, especially the ones that were candidates for quick categorization by critics into 'template' scripts, the actions and characters now take on more mythic proportions. I think this has to do with the attack on the west in the 21st century. Mechanically has good mix of three plots but has some 'tv-esque'acting, however this is easy to ignore and enjoy the film anyway. Good mix of big stars seen in roles before they broke out and dominated the western/action film scene in Hollywood.