Wonderfully done film...I'll bet it was a real labour of love for Clint Eastwood. Sure it's uneven in parts and Sondra Locke's character wears thin at times (before she comes around) but if you give it a chance you can see why it's one of Clint's personal faves...a great statement about living out your dreams.
I kept looking for the stunt double but I'm pretty sure that it's Clint doing his own trick riding...correct(anyone)?
I think it's one of Eastwood's best. In fact, Eastwood himself has named it one of his favorites. While sweet and charming in nature, it by no means sacrifices its thematic value. It has some terrific themes on loyalty and the American Dream.
shareThis is a mystery as to why this movie performed so dissapointingly at the box office and isn't more appreciated (the imdb rating baffles me)
It's one of Eastwoods warmest movies, contains a nice subtle performance by him and is wonderfully directed;
I suspect had this and Josey Wales both come out post the unforgiven revision of Eeastwood's talents, they would have been bigger box office and critical hits...
and yes, Eastwood does most of his stunt riding...but not all!
jrcjohnny99,for me, The Outlaw Josey Wales is the definitive western and the best picture Eastwood has ever made.
shareI agree that "Josey Wales" is Eastwood's best film -- I really like the theme of redemption that runs through it. The same themes are here in "Billy", and this is a warm, lovely film, although I believe it gets just a little lost in the middle. I seems to be rarely seen these days and needs to be better appreciated.
shareAgreed, pretty good movie. Perhaps the warmest movie Clint ever made, and I love the stick-up scene! Sondra Locke has never appeared lovelier.
Films are not reality. Reality is not film. Film is only an approximation of reality.
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I also was wondering how much riding Clint did (on the horse, not on Sondra Locke). I'd really be surprised if he did all the stunts because they are amazing, but if it's a stunt double, it's a great likeness.
share.. the shots where he's riding side saddle & upside down are done by his stunt double.
Mai Yamane! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD83P-vn5JI&feature=related
I suspected as much. Thanks.
shareThis movie is just amazing. The people who don't get it are those metrossexuals living in Ny and LA. Unfortunately, they are the majority of movie critics and journalists...but people living in the heart of america just loved this picture.
shareI watch this movie all the time on HBO as a kid way back when. It's always stuck with me as a great story about people who don't fit in the world around them, but they do the best they can. It's one of my favorites.
shareI saw this movie for the first time last night, and I absolutely loved it! It hit on so many themes about life, and in a light-hearted way for the most part. Clint was wonderful as Bronco Billy, and I know he loved the role. Can't understand why the rating is so low.
shareHeh. For your information, I am a lifelong inhabitant of Los Angeles and both my wife and I loved this movie from the moment it came out. We always keep coming back to the movie because it always leaves us with a warm and complete feeling when the movie ends. People in L.A. aren't complete troglodytes, you know. :o)
shareExactly! Cuz even Bronco Billy came from the big city! ;-)
shareI'm from the UK and I loved it. I remember seeing it when I was just a kid and being blown away by its moving and thoughtful themes. It hasn't aged that well, but I'll always have a soft spot for it.
'We don't go to school today Bronco Billy; it's Saturday'.
I live in New England and I love this movie.
shareNot my favorite Eastwood film but I appreciated the theme of individuality which is shown through the characters. It showed the strength and happiness people can contain when they are their own individuals.
"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".
This is a top 5 Eastwood film for me. But my favorite of his is the often forgotten "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot". I like it because he breaks the typical "Eastwood" character in it... He does it here in Bronco Billy too. I.E. Bronco Billy "backs down" from a challenge to save a friend where characters like Will Munny, Josey Wales or even Dirty Harry would have just blown the punk Sheriff away. My top 5 are...
1. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
2. Unforgiven
3. Dirty Harry
4. Bronco Billy
5. Every Which Way but Loose
Others I like are Gran Torino, The Outlaw Josey Wales, A Fistfull of Dollars, The Good the Bad and the Ugly and In the Line of Fire.
"Im telling you when my boss sees these figures he's gonna have a stroke."
- Rudy Russo
I have seen thousands of movies and almost all of Eastwood's and my friends are always shocked when I tell them "Bronco Billy" is my favorite from Clint. Apparently, most people don't agree and I don't think it got much box office......but it's a gem to anyone who has a heart AND a sense of humor. The more I watch this film, the more I appreciate the comedic talents of Eastwood and Sondra Locke. They are hilarious in this movie.
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Best film Frank Capra never made
shareWhats not to get? Really!
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