Good morning, dear readers! Welcome to this week’s edition of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today’s feature is the captivating Western, One Eyed Jacks, a film that showcases the talents of Marlon Brando both as an actor and a director.
Next week, we’ll be diving into Ballad of Orin:
Here’s what critics are saying about One Eyed Jacks:
The Genre Junky observes:
The film’s most engaging feature is how the narrative unfolds based on the characters’ reactions to their circumstances. This is particularly seen in Bob’s sudden change of heart about Rio due to impatience, the unintended affection Rio develops for Louisa that transforms his character, and Dad’s shifting views on Rio prompted by his desire to escape his past. Unlike many contemporaneous films, this one presents characters who are intricate and morally ambiguous, rather than the simplistic heroes and villains that dominated earlier works. Take Rio, for instance. He has lived as a bandit his entire life and knows nothing else; he’s a compulsive liar who deceives women to gain their affection (when he first meets Louisa, he claims to be a covert government agent). After Dad betrays him, revenge becomes his sole purpose in life. However, this mindset shifts as his feelings for Louisa grow, leading him to value her above his quest for vengeance. Ultimately, love triumphs over revenge—a theme skillfully depicted in this film.
filmsgraded.com adds:
One-Eyed Jacks stands out as Marlon Brando’s only directorial endeavor. Initially, Stanley Kubrick was set to direct, but a clash of egos led to his departure from the project. Brando extended the shooting schedule from sixty days to six months, resulting in a four-hour film. Studio executives ultimately trimmed it down to 141 minutes, leading to a financial loss upon its release.
It’s hard to say how Kubrick’s version would have differed. Brando’s character would probably be portrayed more negatively, with his various romantic interests receiving less focus. Nonetheless, Brando’s version of One-Eyed Jacks is both entertaining and innovative, arguably surpassing Kubrick’s *Spartacus* (1960).
Brando maintains a stoic presence throughout while remaining charismatic and engaging. Slim Pickens delivers a memorable performance as Malden’s sinister deputy, while Malden himself is also commendable.
letterboxd comments:
A film that showcases Marlon Brando’s capabilities in both directions, One-Eyed Jacks is uneven in its execution yet features both remarkable highs and lows. Karl Malden delivers a lovely and underrated performance, complemented by the strong cinematography of Charles Lang. The supporting cast, including Slim Pickens and Ben Johnson, also contribute solidly to the film. Brando truly embodies the role of a character who endures immense suffering onscreen. It’s evident that David Webb Peoples drew inspiration from this film when writing *Unforgiven*. Few films can claim to have such extraordinary talent attached as Stanley Kubrick, Calder Willingham, and Sam Peckinpah did here.
My perspective:
Although it’s a captivating story, it’s not my top choice among Westerns. Brando excels as the brooding outlaw who discovers the power of love. The cinematography stands out, capturing California’s landscapes brilliantly— a refreshing departure from the typical Western desert scenes. It’s certainly worth a one-time watch, rating it at ⭐.
Director: Marlon Brando
Writers: Guy Trosper, Calder Willingham
Notable Actors: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden
Plot (Spoilers ahead!):
Rio (Brando) and two accomplices rob a Mexican bank, escaping with sacks of gold. After celebrating at a cantina, disaster strikes when the Mexican police arrive, resulting in the death of one member of their group. While Rio and Dad (Malden) manage to flee, Dad ultimately abandons Rio, who is then captured and endures five harsh years in a Mexican prison.
Upon escaping, he seeks revenge on Dad, who has become the sheriff of Monterey. His plan is to kill Dad and rob the bank, but fate intervenes. Rio falls in love with Dad’s beautiful stepdaughter and spends a night with her on the beach, leading to Dad discovering their affair. After a violent confrontation, Rio abandons his quest for vengeance and intends to leave the town with the woman he loves. However, his former partners rob the bank, and Dad wrongfully blames Rio.
Now imprisoned and facing execution, Rio’s lover manages to smuggle a gun into his cell, allowing him to escape. In a brutal showdown, he confronts Dad, resulting in a fatal confrontation. With the law closing in, Rio tells his pregnant sweetheart that he intends to return in the spring.
Bonus Documentary:
Behind the Scenes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
