Silverado (1985) Review:

By the 1980s, the genre of Westerns had pretty much died off. Unfortunately, due to the enormous failure that was Michael Cimino's Heaven's Gate (1980), Hollywood not only reconsidered giving total control to directors of the projects, but also closed the curtain on big budget Westerns in general. They were seen as time consuming, costly and returned little revenue. Despite this, the genre went on but continued to see little financial success. Such goes for this film which not only had its set reused for other films that came later, but also manage to gain critical acclaim for how it was handled then. This is baffling even more when considering who took part and how the story was executed. It's really surprising the genre didn't bounce back with films like this.

Glover, Costner, Glenn & Kline

The plot is about a group of rag tag strangers who end up crossing paths and manage to develop a good working relationship with each other. All who end up passing through the city of Silverado. Written by Mark Kasdan, with co-writer and director Lawrence Kasdan heading the project, this western is one that not only has a fun story but also features a number of familiar faces from back in the day. Emmett (Scott Glenn) and Jake (Kevin Costner) are brothers in hopes of making it to California. Emmett's a sharp gunslinger, as is his brother. However, Jake is much more reckless. On their journey, they meet Paden (Kevin Kline), a traveler recently robbed from another group he once was close with.

Then there's Mal (Danny Glover), a wanderer looking for place he can be accepted for who he is. His sister Rae (Lynn Whitfield) is a popular lady among the saloons and is good friends with Slick (Jeff Goldblum), a wealthy gambler. Also found in Silverado is also one of Paden's old associates; Cobb (Brian Dennehy) and Tyree (Jeff Fahey). All of these supporting characters come to a head as the story comes to a conclusion. The only aspect of the script that should've been twisted differently were backstories to certain characters who more often than not are put in difficult situations. Understandably so, some are unavoidable due to the time it takes place, but these kinds of scenarios do not always have to happen.

Supporting the cast are other well-known actors like John Cleese, Linda Hunt, Joe Seneca and Brion James. For anyone unfamiliar, Lawrence Kasdan was also known for writing Body Heat (1981), The Big Chill (1983), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) and Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983). The action was staged well for this feature. Considering this is a western, it is expected to have the local bar fights, fist fights, gun fights and horseback riding. All of which are executed like everyone involved has been doing it all their lives. There's even a sequence involving a stampede, which no doubt is dangerous if not controlled properly.

"You know,....I knew a guy named John Rambo...."

The cinematography was shot competently too. Behind the camera for this feature was John Bailey. Capturing wide landscapes along with matte paintings helped greatly in giving the film that classic western outback look. Prior to this Bailey also worked on Premonition (1972), American Gigolo (1980), Cat People (1982), and The Big Chill (1983). Lastly, the music composed by Bruce Broughton was very well done. Having a revisited motif for the feature made it all the more the memorable. Using classic orchestra and tambourine, the sound of it matches the tone and setting of the story completely. Thankfully for Broughton, after the initial release, Intrada released an expanded score which makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

Aside from one subplot being rather common place for many westerns, the rest is an enjoyable trip back to the past. All elements like music, camerawork, acting and action all help make the feel of it as authentic as possible.

Points Earned --> 8:10