La critique de James Berardinelli (4)
It's hard to fault the performance of either Matt Damon or Henry Thomas. Their characters aren't very dynamic or interesting, but the actors appear to be playing them the way they're written. Damon isn't a chameleon when it comes to acting, but he's perfectly capable of believably portraying this kind of naïve character, and Thomas is cut from the same mold. Most of the attempts to flesh out these two individuals, as well as their connection to each other, were probably left on the cutting room floor.

Actors Sam Shepard and Robert Patrick are given cameos in important roles; one has a sense that their parts were intended to be more substantial. There's also a curious appearance by Bruce Dern as a judge. On the surface, the character is almost superfluous, but there are hints that his wisdom enables John to reconcile himself with what has happened in the past and to determine which path he should take in the future.

La critique de James Berardinelli (fin)
All the Pretty Horses is technically proficient. The cinematography, with its glorious landscape shots, offers everything visually that one expects from a Western. The story moves quickly enough that it's unlikely to bore anyone. But a critical element is missing. The characters don't seem real, and their lack of depth makes the entire picture seem more like an exercise than an experience.

With All the Pretty Horses,Thornton takes us on a long, looping trail across borders and through various traditional Western plot elements(such as the shootout) but, by the time we reach the end of the journey, we have no more emotional currency invested in the characters than we had at the beginning. And that's not the sign of a motion picture that hits its mark.

© 2000 James Berardinelli

You ain't never been struck by lightning. You don't know what it's like.

2 March 2005 | by Andy (film-critic) (Bookseller of the Blue Ridge) –(part1)

I don't think I will ever understand the disappointing backlash against this film. What I witnessed was not your typical "western" film full of passionate love and implausible events. Instead, what I saw was beautifully captured images, powerful acting by Damon and Thomas, a story that twisted further down a darkened rabbit hole than I was expecting, and this challenging character study that gave us a brief insight to a world that will never be seen by our eyes again. This was not the romantic film that it was marketed as, this was not the adventure that it was marketed as, but instead it was the story of one character and the tribulations that effect him on his journey into the real world. It is the story of a very compassionate man that sees the honest darkness of those around him and must face the consequences of his actions.

It showcases amazing acting that may be a bit disturbing for the unfamiliar eye, but to me was nothing short of brilliant. Billy Bob successfully adapted the story from the page, but it was not the film that he wanted. Miramax butchered this film in the marketing aspect, which ultimately hurt it overall. I will never understand why this did not receive the praise it should have, but will never be ashamed to bring it out for friends and family to enjoy. This film was like finding a dollar in the couch, an unexpected surprise that keeps a smile on your face the rest of the day.