MovieChat Forums > Shoot (1976) Discussion > This movie gets dogged on a lot for some...

This movie gets dogged on a lot for some reason.

posted 14 years ago by venusboys3
12 replies | jump to latest

I'm not sure why but I've read very few good things about this movie.
When I first saw it I found it surprisingly good... thoughtful and different from anything I'd seen.
Maybe it's because a lot of folks will kneejerk see it as an 'anti-gun' message... and maybe it has elements of that but I don't see that as the core message. I think it's more about people, human nature. Similar to Deliverance in some ways.
It's certainly another of that strange breed of 70's cinema that couldn't be made nowadays... too slow moving, too thoughtful... and way too far out of the mainstream.

[–] victora87 14 years ago

I agree. This movie gets a heavy dose of bashing and for no good reason.
This is a good movie which transports us back to the seventies and to a thought process that existed back in that particular decade.
The acting by Robertson, Borgnine and Silva is solid and the plot keeps you glued to the screen. It is a good film.

[–] psen 14 years ago

Brilliant movie.

Although fictional, it's painfully realistic.

When people arm, they easily get provoked and can't wait to retaliate. But sometimes they forget the other side can arm themselves too, and better. The result is a tragedy.

[–] heyjohnny40-1 14 years ago

Just saw your post. I read the book in the mid 1970's and it was a very good book. The movie just could not cover all the facts the book did. No fault of the producers and cast. I have not seen it in years, but it has a 1970's feel to it and it is still interesting to see the main leads all together in a movie.

[–] heyjohnny40-1 13 years ago

Sorry for the late reply. I read and still have the book from the mid 1970's. the book is great and like you said it just can't cover all the facts of the novel. It does have that gritty 70's look to it and I still think it is enjoyable to watch these actors all put together into one movie. I also wish it were available to watch on DVD.

[–] Squonkamatic 14 years ago

Comes off better on the 2nd viewing. The first time through it struck me as dry. First time I saw it was under party situations where related material like OPEN SEASON and WOLF LAKE had worked pretty good. This is more thoughtful & subtle, not a party movie at all. I think maybe those who have been bashing it approached it as just another humans hunting humans for kicks thing.

[–] snowleopard 13 years ago

Many think the middle drags a little, and during the character building there is lack of urgency or intensity in the middle leading up to the ending. But the performances are top rate, and because it builds the characters up, it makes the ending more impacting.

I think this film was also compared to Deliverance at the time, fair or not, and that film was simply more engrossing. But that doesn't mean this is a bad film. It's not, it's quite good, it makes you think at the time, and reflect on it afterward. The type of film that doesn't get made anymore.

Shoot could (but maybe should not?) be remade. I would think a solid, professional independent group could remake it well, but if it were done by Hollywood it would turn into some sort of action vehicle with someone like the Rock, or Channing Tatum.

[–] detune 12 years ago

I saw a VHS rip of this virtually by accident, as I didn't even know what film I was watching. It is a bit like Deliverance; not quite as good, but a good film. I didn't find the middle to drag at all. The dialogue and acting kept me interested. And the ending was a fine payoff.

[–] 12 years ago

[deleted]

[–] King_Of_Fuh 11 years ago

Is this movie worth downloading?

[–] kharley471 11 years ago

Yes. Also, it's on YouTube. I thought that it was an intelligent film, well shot.

[–] King_Of_Fuh 11 years ago

Thanks!

[–] voltaire7028 10 years ago

this movie made no sense.