#844: BRANDO, Marlon: One-Eyed Jacks (1961)

BRANDO, Marlon (United States)
One-Eyed Jacks [1961]
Spine #844
Blu-ray


This is a western like no other, combining the mythological scope of that most American of genres with the searing naturalism of a performance by Marlon Brando — all suffused with Freudian overtones and masculine anxiety. In his only directing stint, Brando captures rugged coastal and desert landscapes in gorgeous widescreen, Technicolor images, and elicits from his fellow actors (including Karl Malden and Pina Pellicer) nuanced depictions of conflicted characters. Though the production was overwhelmed by its director's perfectionism and plagued by setbacks and studio reediting, One-Eyed Jacks stands as one of Brando's great achievements, thanks above all to his tortured turn as Rio, a bank robber bent on revenge against his former partner in crime. Brooding and romantic, Rio is the last and perhaps the most tender of the iconic outsiders that the great actor imbued with such intensity throughout his career.

141 minutes
Color
Monaural
1:85:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2016
Director/Writers


Based on the novel The Authentic Death of Hendry Jones by Charles Neider.
Screenplay by Guy Trosper and Calder Willingham.
Marlon Brando was 37 when he directed One-Eyed Jacks.

The Film

A

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by film critic Howard Hampton.

Commentary

None.

Introduction

By Martin Scorsese.

Excerpts

From voice recordings director and star Brando made during the development of the film’s script.

Video essays

On the film’s production history and on its potent combination of the stage and screen icon Brando with the classic Hollywood western genre.

Trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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