The Shootist Blu-ray Review
“The Shootist” is among John Wayne’s best films.
Based on the novel of the same name by Glendon Swarthout, 1976’s “The Shootist” takes place in the year 1901. The story revolves around J.B. Brooks (a former lawman and notorious gunfighter) who is venturing to Carson City, Nevada to visit a trusted Doctor (Hostetler). The good Doctor confirms what J.B. already knew- he’s dying of cancer. J.B. takes up residence at the local boarding house to live out his final days. While there, he befriends the owner (Bond Rodgers) and her son (Gillom). J.B. attempts to keep his whereabouts and diagnosis a secret, but word gets out about his presence in town. Before he departs, he lets 3 men (Mike Sweeney, Jack Pulford, and Jay Cobb) know that he will be appearing in a saloon. Each of them appears eager to be the one to take down J.B., but will any of them be able to?
Directed by Don Siegel (best known for classics like “Dirty Harry” and “Invasion Of The Body Snatchers”) and written by Scott Hale and Miles Hood Swarthout, “The Shootist” is a departure from the usual John Wayne western. It’s not an action-oriented film, but rather a more introspective character piece. In retrospect, the story hits harder knowing that this was indeed John Wayne’s final film as the story is a deep exploration of mortality and the acceptance of death. Yes, there’s more going on here (like the evolution of Gillom and J.B. not being able to escape his past and reputation), but at its core this is a film about death.
What’s really striking about “The Shootist” is that it feels like a fitting farewell to the Hollywood legend. John Wayne himself gives one of the finest performances of his career with a very soulful and introspective performance. Wayne is accompanied by a star-studded cast that includes many western movie legends. Among those featured here are Jimmy Stewart, Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, John Carradine, Scatman Crothers, Harry Morgan, and Richard Boone. Howard is particularly noteworthy as a young man who enters adulthood.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The print is not perfect (there are noticeable defects and flickers), but it provides sharper image quality and maintains the grain.
Audio Track: LPCM Mono. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a clean Mono track.
Extras:
* Theatrical trailer
* Image gallery
* A newly recorded commentary by filmmaker/film critic Howard S. Berger.
* “The Last Day”- A new visual essay by filmmaker/film critic David Cairns.
* “A Man-Making Moment”- Interview with author C. Courtney Joyner.
* “Laments Of The West”- Film historian/broadcaster Neil Brand discusses Elmer Bernstein’s score.
* “Contemplating John Wayne”- A new visual essay by filmmaker/film critic/author Scout Tafoya.
* “The Shootist: The Legend Lives On”- An archival featurette that covers the novel, John Wayne, the production of “The Shootist,” its release, and more.
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