More than a Western.

More than a Western indeed, perhaps a straight forward revenge drama in substance? But it is also a fine character study of a man coming to terms with growing up faster than he ever thought he would have to. What makes the film real good and lifts it above average is its structured segments, director Henry Hathaway weaves a potent and interesting story by making each part of Nevada Smith/Max Sand's journey an involving character piece that puts you firmly on side with the protagonist and his vengeful quest.

Credit has to go to McQueen for putting much gusto into the character when it was badly needed, because to save the film from being standard fare we need the leading man to involve us in his troubled and confused state, luckily he does this with bells on. The locations and sets put gloss on the story and in the main the rest of the cast do very well, however, I'm one of the few on this site who feels that Karl Malden just doesn't cut it as the chief villain of the piece, I feel the character who carried out these vile crimes should have been far more menacing than the shaky overplayed villain that Malden gives us.

Great action sequences, a memorable story, and an ending that brings the character full circle. All things that combine to give us a very good film that stars a great leading man and is directed with very professional and genre knowing hands. 8/10