MovieChat Forums > Shoot (1976) Discussion > I LOVE this movie

I LOVE this movie

posted 10 years ago by tabbycat
2 replies | jump to latest

Always did, since seeing it in a US theater in 1977.
Why is it so hated?

Some think Cliff Robertson phoned in many of his 70's performances.
To that I say: my ass.
Looking back on Man on a Swing (1974), Three Days of the Condor (1975), Obsession 1976), and this title the same year, I have no difficulty seeing why everyone wanted to hire him. Quiet, reserved, touched, internalizing hidden aggression, he was all bullseyes. Never better than he is here. The scene where he comes home to his questioning wife, calmly informing her she is free to leave at any time, is priceless; there are many others. Ernest Borgnine earns his name here in one of his best displays, pleading for reason while watching it slip hopelessly away.

The camaraderie feels real to me, middle-aged guys doing what they do, being who they are. It all leads to a horrific climax that might have strained credility, but for me doesn't. It's earned, by good filmmaking and believable performances.

The ending is so tragic it's actually beautiful, and for me unforgettable.

What a shame it's not available in a clean modern transfer.

[–] easymailer-1 9 years ago

I really like this film also. Specially the woods scene where they are facing each other across the water..That bit is unique. This film is on Youtube if you want to watch it. Just do a search.

http://www.12vn.net

[–] jonbecker03-397-369503 9 years ago

the movie isn't "loveable." not to me at least. although i like it very much and admire it even more. saying that you "love" this movie is like saying that you love "massacre at central high" or "henry: portrait of a serial killer." what i like and admire about this movie is that it has BALLS. it dares to be absurd, surrealistic, and in the end, very pessimistic. i would class it with the other "disillusioned" and "disillusioning" films of the seventies such as the aforementioned "central high" and such classics as "idaho transfer." each of these films dares to be grim, dares to give us a pill that isn't sugar coated, dares to deliver a message that's the antithesis of the hollywood happy ending. these films are supposed to be anything but loveable. they are, if anything, supposed to leave a bitter taste in one's mouth.