Director: Sam Raimi
Starring: Russell Crowe, Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors which achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Russell Crowe. Since fame in the 1990’s, Crowe has become an icon. Whether it’s gladiators, detectives or police-officers, Crowe has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Crowe’s best strength as an actor has always been a strong presence. He is one of those actors that has the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles through his commanding presence. Even when he isn’t the main focus of a film, Crowe has often left a long-lasting impression. An actor that shown a strong commitment toward his craft, Crowe has been an icon in entertainment. Through his abilities to portray characters which prove compelling, Crowe has established a strong legacy which is enduring. Throughout his enduring career, Crowe has made several unforgettable movies which are absolutely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Crowe and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “The Quick and the Dead” is my truly favourite. Released in 1995, Sam Raimi’s film offered a stirring tribute to the western genre. Packed with breathtaking production design, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best westerns ever made. At centre of it all is an incredible performance by Russell Crowe, who portrays a strong western hero. Ultimately, what makes “The Quick and the Dead” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most westerns, it tackles bold themes everyone relates to. A western masterpiece about frightening outlaws, there are strong reasons why “The Quick and the Dead” is a movie worth watching.
“The Quick and the Dead” tells the story of a mysterious woman struggling to survive in a town that’s dead. Sharon Stone portrays Ellen, a young woman with desire to be left alone. Ellen has always felt a strong desire to discover identity in a town experiencing adversity. However, Ellen’s life dramatically changes when she is forced to participate in a tournament causing disaster. Hunted by the notorious gunman Cory (Russell Crowe), Ellen questions if it’s possible to survive in a ton causing sorrow. In a town where there is no law, Ellen questions whether it’s possible to become an outlaw.
Sam Raimi is a newcomer to the western genre. Before he has made “The Quick and the Dead”, Raimi had never made a western before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of western heroes that face adversity but he succeeded. Through strong cinematography, Raimi captures a western hero embarking upon a journey to overcome adversities. Inspired with Sergio Leone’s “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, Raimi effectively uses point of view shots to capture the lives of outlaws which are ugly. For instance, POV shots enhance the gun shootout scene. During this intense scene, Ellen has a tense confrontation with groups of outlaws causing tension. Using stunning POV shots, Raimi crafts a portrait of outlaws that’s compelling. POV shots are not easy to use in movies. As Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” demonstrated, POV shots elevate medieval films. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using captivating visuals, Raimi captures the tensions that quick and dead outlaws are facing.
Another strong aspect of “The Quick and the Dead” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Evoking Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven”, Raimi uses costumes to capture the struggle faced by outlaws that are unforgiven. Throughout the movie, Ellen’s costumes demonstrate her strong personality as a western heroine. For instance, costumes enhance the meetings scene. During this memorable scene, Ellen has her first ever meetings with her fellow comrades in a doomed town. Using strong costumes, Raimi crafts a portrait of female outlaws that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Alan Silvestri’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that outlaws bear. Using breathtaking production, Raimi captures the frightening lives of outlaws that experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “The Quick and the Dead” is a western which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses silence to capture the tension that quick outlaws are experiencing. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this memorable scene, Ellen bids tearful farewell to her family members in small towns causing tensions. Through silence, Raimi creates a portrait of western outlaws that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Ron Howard’s “A Beautiful Mind” proved, silence elevates biopics about geniuses that have a beautiful mind. Michael Mann’s “The Insider” suggested silence enhances biopics about scandalous news reporters. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through a spectacular screenplay, Raimi captures the lives of western outlaws which experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Russell Crowe gives one of his finest career performances as Cort. Crowe earned praise for portraying ancient Roman gladiators in medieval movies. With “The Quick and the Dead”, however, the actor took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a bold outlaw with a fierce personality but he pulls it off effectively. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: emotional, fierce and vulnerable in his most underrated role. With mesmerizing expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and resentments faced by a quick gunslinger in a small town facing tensions. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actors that is working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Russell Crowe, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Gene Hackman is great, capturing the routine of a dedicated sheriff seeking to keep his town packed with crimes clean. Sharon Stone is spectacular, bringing bravery to a woman that seeks to step out of her comfort zone in a town where she often feels alone. Lastly, Leonardo DiCaprio merits appreciation. As a young gunslinger, he brings youthful energy to the movie.
Finally, “The Quick and the Dead” will earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing small towns which are dead. Unlike most westerns, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including ambition, mental health and trauma which would resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of the western genre to appreciate it. It gives a strong message about injustice resonating with everyone. Therefore, “The Quick and the Dead” is one of those rare films about western heroes everyone would absolutely adore.
Fans of Russell Crowe will absolutely enjoy “The Quick and the Dead” and so would moviegoers seeking bold entertainment.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic western about outlaws that are quick and dead facing obstacles which are tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray multidimensional characters in films that have never lost an ability to constantly captivate the public.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 