The anti-establishment hero | Lonely Are the Brave

Why oh why is there no DVD | Lonely Are the Brave | Kirk Douglas, Gena Rowlands

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	• Lonely Are the Brave Kirk Douglas, Gena Rowlands Universal Studios, 1992 average customer review:based on 44 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A scandalously underrated film

From the opening shot, a lone cowhand's camp in the desert and contrails in the sky, the theme is clash of the old west ways with the new, encroaching civilization. The film's neglect, one guesses, is due postmodern's narcissistic inability to understand it will be their turn one day.

The anti-establishment hero

Kirk Douglas as the outcast cowboy in a modern world that has squeezed his kind out - though he goes down fighting. It's a familiar role in American movies: think of Bogart in "Casablanca" or Eastwood as "Dirty Harry," each the loner in a world that expects conformity. Although the movie gets off to a shaky start with Douglas purposely getting arrested in order to help a friend bust out of the slammer (the friend would rather just serve his time), once Douglas breaks out himself and takes to the hills on his horse, the movie really picks up. Pursued by sheriff Walter Matthau, who secretly admires Douglas's gumption and individuality, Douglas is able to outwit him and his battery of modern appliances - until the night he and his horse are run over by an 18-wheeler while crossing a highway. The irony of that is unmistakable. Douglas admired this picture a lot, and he plays the part of Jack Burns with great vigor and respect. Somewhat ahead of its time regarding the anti-hero fighting the "establishment," the movie set an early precedent of what would become a mainstream theme only a handful of years later. Everything in the movie, from the direction by David Miller to the script by Dalton Trumbo is first rate. Definitely worth checking out.

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Why oh why is there no DVD

I first saw this movie in a theater when it was released and I was 16 years old. My brother and I stayed through a second showing (you could do that then) and went back to see it at least a couple more times while it was playing. It became and still is one of my all time favorite movies.
When I was 16 I loved it for the action and the humor ( Walter Mathau's play by play of the dog wandering down main street). As I got older the more serious themes only made me love it more.

WHERE IS THE DVD? ...please,please,please

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This film made an impression on a twelve-year old

I was twelve-years old when this film came out.I remember riding my bicycle to Santa Monica(from Malibu)one Saturday.I was under the impression that it was a traditional western starring Kirk Douglas.I was mistaken.It is anything but a "traditional"western.It's really about a cowboy who is a misfit.He's living in a time where there are too many fences(boundaries)and he just can't reconcile with this situation.Kirk Douglas gives a fine performance(as does the lovely Gena Rowlands),but the "scene-stealer"is the curmudgeon of a sheriff(Walter Mathau).William Schallert is great as his deputy.He drives the sheriff a bit crazy by constantly replying"RIGHT"!The music(score)is excellent(Jerry Goldsmith).

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A wonderful discovery

4.5 stars. One thing about watching oldies but goodies is watching all the stars before they were legends: Carroll O'Conner, Walter Matthau, Bill Bixby and George Kennedy. I was immediately drawn into the film because of Kirk's amazing presence. Whenever, I see Kirk, I get the feeling that there is absolutely nothing in the world this man is afraid of. A man's man. One that never back down from a fight and is willing to put himself on the line-each and every time. If he's in the frame your eyes are on him. I agree with other reviewers, this is a very simple storyline about small events that quickly get out of hand. There are quite a bit of coincidences-and you just can't help wondering why he told the police his real name-since the plan was always to break out of jail. But still there are plenty of scenes that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And my heart just jerked at the ending--though you knew what was coming. Overall, this is a movie everyone should see.

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