I watched All the Pretty Horses and I liked it. 3/5
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“All the Pretty Horses,” directed by Billy Bob Thornton and released in 2000, is an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s acclaimed novel. The film, starring Matt Damon and Henry Thomas, follows two young cowboys who embark on a journey from Texas to Mexico in search of a better life. While the movie boasts beautiful cinematography and earnest performances, it ultimately falls short of capturing the depth and complexity of McCarthy’s novel, resulting in a visually stunning yet emotionally underwhelming experience.
The film opens with John Grady Cole (Matt Damon) and his best friend, Lacey Rawlins (Henry Thomas), leaving behind their lives in Texas for the allure of the Mexican frontier. Along the way, they encounter a troubled drifter, Jimmy Blevins (Lucas Black), whose presence complicates their journey. Eventually, the pair find work on a Mexican ranch owned by Don Hector (Ruben Blades), where John Grady falls for Don Hector’s beautiful and spirited daughter, Alejandra (Penélope Cruz). This romance sets off a chain of events that tests their friendship and their resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
The standout aspect of “All the Pretty Horses” is its breathtaking cinematography. Barry Markowitz’s lush visuals capture the sweeping landscapes of the American Southwest and Mexico with a painterly eye, imbuing the film with a sense of grandeur and timeless beauty. The wide shots of the open plains, the intricate details of the ranch life, and the intimate moments between characters are all exquisitely framed, making the film a visual feast.
Matt Damon delivers a solid performance as John Grady Cole, embodying the quiet determination and moral complexity of his character. Damon brings a sense of authenticity to the role, convincingly portraying a young man caught between his ideals and the harsh realities of life. Henry Thomas is equally compelling as Lacey Rawlins, providing a grounded and relatable counterpoint to Damon’s more introspective character. Penélope Cruz adds a touch of romance and allure as Alejandra, though her character’s development feels somewhat thin, leaving viewers wanting more depth and nuance.
Despite its strong cast and visual appeal, “All the Pretty Horses” struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion. The film’s attempt to condense McCarthy’s sprawling novel into a two-hour runtime results in a fragmented story that often feels rushed and underdeveloped. Key plot points and character arcs are given insufficient attention, making it difficult for viewers to fully engage with the emotional stakes of the story. The film’s editing, which reportedly suffered from significant studio interference, contributes to this disjointed feeling, leaving some scenes feeling abrupt and incomplete.
The film’s tone is another area where it falls short. McCarthy’s novel is known for its lyrical prose and philosophical depth, elements that are largely absent in the film adaptation. While Thornton captures some of the novel’s melancholy and existential themes, the film lacks the introspective and meditative quality that defines McCarthy’s work. The result is a film that, while visually striking, feels somewhat superficial in its exploration of the characters’ inner lives and motivations.
Another notable shortcoming is the film’s underutilization of its supporting cast. Actors like Lucas Black, Ruben Blades, and Bruce Dern deliver strong performances in their respective roles, but their characters are not given enough screen time or development to leave a lasting impact. This lack of depth in the supporting characters further detracts from the film’s emotional resonance and overall narrative richness.
In conclusion, “All the Pretty Horses” is a film that excels in its visual presentation and features commendable performances from its lead actors. However, it ultimately falls short of capturing the depth and complexity of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, resulting in a film that feels disjointed and emotionally underwhelming. While it is worth watching for its stunning cinematography and earnest performances, it may leave fans of the novel and those seeking a more profound cinematic experience feeling somewhat unsatisfied. With a 3 out of 5 stars rating, “All the Pretty Horses” is a film that has moments of brilliance but ultimately fails to fully realize its potential.