The Shooting

Whether it lives up to its (sexist) sobriquet as "the thinking man's western," is a matter of opinion, buckaroo, but Monte Hellman's atmospheric 1967 horse opera is still a worthwhile watch. Warren Oates stars as a gold miner who, along with his partner Will Hutchins, is shanghaied into a manhunt by the enigmatic Millie Perkins. Eventually, they meet up with bounty hunter Jack Nicholson...and, as you might expect...trouble. Written by Adrien Joyce (Five Easy Pieces), The Shooting was shot in the Utah desert simultaneously with another western Ride in the Whirlwind (also available). The decent looking mastering is buttressed by a commentary track featuring Hellman and Perkins. A strong optional purchase. (R. Pitman)