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Film critic Pauline Kael coined the term “acid Western” when reviewing Alejandro Jodorowsky’s film El Topo in the 1970s. This subgenre can be simplified as a category of films where bizarre and shocking events occur. What sets them apart from traditional Westerns is that the protagonists usually don’t experience a happy ending; instead, they often meet tragic fates, endure significant suffering due to uncontrollable circumstances, or are left contemplating an uncertain future. Along the way, they encounter a range of peculiar and unsettling situations, from hallucinations to interactions with unconventional characters.
These acid Westerns typically leave viewers perplexed by the complexity of human nature. The following films are considered some of the finest examples in this contentious subgenre because they adeptly capture its essential elements.
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10 Greatest Acid Western Movies of All Time
The Shooting (1966)
Monte Hellman’s “The Shooting” is often recognized as the inaugural acid Western, and it effectively establishes this subgenre by maintaining an air of ambiguity and culminating in a violent conclusion. The central character in the film is an enigmatic woman without a name, akin to Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name,” but with a sinister twist. She hires two gunslingers to accompany her across the desert, without disclosing her destination or purpose. Despite her cold demeanor and the uncertainty surrounding the journey, both men agree to the job for their own motivations. One is enticed by the allure of money, a common temptation for gunslingers, while the other is drawn by the woman’s beauty, making the prospect of gazing at her for hours appealing.
“The Shooting” effectively keeps its audience in suspense by introducing numerous unanswered questions. For instance, a young Jack Nicholson appears as another gunslinger who begins trailing them. The woman appears to have a connection with him, but once again, she keeps this information from the other two men. The film’s striking visuals are also noteworthy, as it was shot using existing natural light, and the entire story unfolds in the sun-drenched desert. Despite some disturbingly violent scenes, viewers are strongly encouraged to stay engaged until the mesmerizing climax.
El Topo (1970)
From its very start, El Topo immediately perplexes viewers with its unconventional scenes. The main character is seen riding through the desert with his undressed six-year-old son, while he himself is dressed in typical Western attire, raising questions about his parenting choices. Later on, he falls for a woman who challenges him to eliminate four notorious local bandits as a condition for her affection. He readily accepts this challenge, leaving his son at a monastery.
El Topo also incorporates elements from various genres, introducing surreal and fantastical elements. In one particularly biblical moment, the protagonist recites a prayer before shooting a rock, causing water to gush out, reminiscent of a “Moses moment.” This isn’t the only unusual occurrence; there’s another scene where bees swarm the body of a man Topo has just killed. Whether these events carry symbolic meaning or are purely exploitative is never fully explained, but this ambiguity doesn’t hinder the story’s smooth progression.
Walker (1987)
In the film, the main character, William Walker, is plagued by what can be described as a “Che Guevera complex.” Frustrated by his lack of success in his own homeland, he sets out to liberate Nicaragua from tyranny. Surprisingly, he manages to incite an insurrection and becomes the leader of the country. However, his leadership turns out to be even worse than that of his predecessor. He goes as far as introducing slavery to appeal to the Southern American Confederate states. His oppressive rule ultimately leads to his execution.
In a unique twist, the movie fully embraces the acid subgenre by incorporating postmodern anachronisms. For instance, despite the setting being in the year 1853 (well before the invention of airplanes and helicopters), characters encounter helicopters. They also consume Diet Coke, a beverage that wasn’t introduced until 1982. This choice of drink serves as a clever way to challenge the traditional Western trope of characters relying on a small water bottle during their arduous journeys.
Ride in the Whirlwind (1966)
“Ride in the Whirlwind,” while not widely recognized, is regarded as one of Jack Nicholson’s finest films in terms of quality. In this movie, Nicholson is part of a trio of cowboys who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. After encountering a recently robbed stagecoach and an uncompromising sheriff, they are mistakenly identified as outlaws. Despite their efforts to prove their innocence, they are compelled to flee, defending themselves with all they have.
Notably, Jack Nicholson also wrote the script for the film, likely driven by the desire to expand his career as he had not yet achieved significant wealth and fame. As a result, the movie features minimal dialogue, which effectively enhances the atmosphere of despair and hopelessness. Despite the cowboys’ valiant struggle, they often find themselves overwhelmed, with a grim outlook for their future. Ultimately, only one of them survives.
Dead Man (1995)
“Dead Man” is often overlooked as a Western film, but it truly stands out as a unique story where the protagonist, William Blake, faces a relentless series of unexpected challenges. His journey begins with a job offer in a small Ohio town, but it quickly turns sour when the company owner threatens him with a gun, and the local residents display hostility. Matters worsen when he becomes romantically involved with a former prostitute, only to have her jealous ex-boyfriend murder her. Accused of the crime, Blake goes on the run and finds himself pursued by three relentless bounty hunters.
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of William Blake is exceptional in its ability to convey the character’s enigmatic nature. Throughout the film, his performance often hints at a deep emotional turmoil, with his expressions on the verge of revealing his inner turmoil. The film’s black-and-white visual style further enhances the somber atmosphere of the narrative. Additionally, “Dead Man” keeps the audience engaged with its continuous plot twists. At one point, Blake encounters a mysterious individual who offers to guide him into the spiritual realm. Furthermore, the film is noteworthy for its use of indigenous Native American languages like Siksika and Cree, alongside English, adding to its unique and immersive qualities.
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Blueberry (2004)
Derived from the Franco-Belgian comic of the same title, the movie Blueberry follows the story of Mike Donovan, who now serves as the town’s lawman, many years after he was forced out of town due to a rivalry with an old adversary over the affections of the same woman. Donovan’s primary responsibility involves maintaining peace between the Aboriginal and White populations. However, when his former foe resurfaces, he is compelled to take action.
The antagonist is portrayed by Michael Madsen, an actor known for his skill in portraying the dark and sinister aspects of his characters. Despite its straightforward plot, the film adds depth through its incorporation of Indian mysticism. Visions and omens provide a welcome contrast to the more realistic scenes, and the dialogue often delves into psychological themes, leaving the audience with profound thoughts about the complexities of life.
Django Kill… If You Live, Shoot! (1967)
In the movie “Django Kill… If You Live, Shoot!”, gold and avarice are depicted as the root causes of violence and chaos, and it’s important to note that this film is not part of the Django film series but rather falls into the category of “Djangosploitation.” The story kicks off when a group of outlaws comes to a town seeking to exchange stolen gold for food and horses, only to encounter hostile townsfolk who attempt to eliminate them and seize their ill-gotten gains.
The film features a series of disturbing scenes, some of which are quite graphic. For instance, there’s a gruesome moment where a man is crucified and tormented by vampire bats, and another scene where a man is scalped. Animal life is also shown little regard, with one scene involving a horse being rigged with dynamite and used as a weapon to eliminate adversaries. Just when it seems like viewers have witnessed the pinnacle of bizarre moments, the ending of the film takes an even more peculiar turn.
The Hired Hand (1971)
Peter Fonda may not have achieved the same level of fame as his father, Henry Fonda, but he did leave behind some memorable films, including the iconic “Easy Rider” and the unconventional western, “The Hired Hand.” In this movie, Fonda portrays a man who has been wandering the South West for seven years and finally decides to return to his wife. To his surprise, she greets him with a cold reception and only agrees to let him work as a hired hand rather than resuming their marital relationship.
Unlike other films in the same genre, “The Hired Hand” doesn’t rely heavily on action sequences. Instead, its brilliance lies in its dialogue, particularly when the protagonist’s wife confronts him about his unrealistic expectations and selfishness. Much like the audience, she questions what makes him believe he deserves her love and loyalty after disappearing for several years. Despite their differences, the two manage to reconcile, but just as they are looking to build a life together, a devastating and brutal climax unfolds, leading to a tragic turn of events.
Bad Company (1972)
Bad Company is a unique movie where there are no clear-cut heroes or villains. Even the characters who are meant to be likable engage in morally questionable actions. The young boys in the central role of the American Civil War plot make dubious decisions. They initially try to avoid being drafted as soldiers but then turn to a life of crime. They grapple with the idea of which occupation, being a soldier or a criminal, is more perilous.
The film stands out by consistently emphasizing the immaturity of these boys. They are often in over their heads and resort to unconventional and extreme actions. For instance, there’s a moment when they all agree to have relations with an older woman. The story ultimately concludes in an open-ended yet satisfying manner, with a freeze-frame that evokes memories of the ending of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
Captain Apache (1971)
Lee Van Cleef is renowned for his outstanding performances in numerous Western films, and “Captain Apache” stands out as a must-watch due to his solo lead role. In this movie, he portrays a Native American Cavalry officer on a mission to decipher the mysterious phrase “April morning,” the last words uttered by a commissioner. His investigation unveils a sinister plot targeting the transportation of President Grant aboard a railroad car named “April morning.”
The film’s plot is notably intricate and multifaceted, owing to its adaptation from a novel penned by the esteemed Western fiction writer Sidney Edgerton Whitman. Several subplots carry symbolic undertones, and it is subtly suggested that some of Captain Apache’s experiences, induced by a medicine woman’s drug, might be hallucinations rather than actual occurrences.
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