Hats Off to Hollywood: McCabe & Mrs. Miller

Duke: Well, here we are again, folks. This time, Rex and I took a dive into the dusty old vault of Westerns and pulled out number eight on AFI’s list: McCabe & Mrs. Miller. Let me tell you, it ain't your typical shoot-'em-up. This one's more like a slow ride on a tired old mule.

Rex: "Patience is a virtue." McCabe & Mrs. Miller is a revisionist Western directed by Robert Altman, released in 1971. The film stars Warren Beatty as John McCabe and Julie Christie as Constance Miller. It’s set in the early 1900s, in a snowy, muddy frontier town. Unlike the traditional Westerns, this one shows a more realistic and gritty side of frontier life.

Duke: Realistic, sure. Gritty, definitely. Entertaining? Not so much. McCabe is a gambler who thinks he can make it big by opening a brothel. Mrs. Miller, a no-nonsense businesswoman, joins him to make it a success. There’s no galloping horses or heroic gunfights here – just a lot of talking and trudging through the mud.

Rex: "Slow and steady wins the race." The beauty of McCabe & Mrs. Miller lies in its authenticity. Altman’s use of overlapping dialogue and naturalistic performances gives the film a raw, unpolished feel. The setting itself is practically a character, with its bleak, snow-covered landscapes and ramshackle buildings. It paints a stark picture of the harsh realities of frontier life.

Duke: Harsh is right. The whole town looks like it’s about to collapse, and half the time you can’t even hear what folks are saying. Not to mention the constant snow and rain. It’s more like a survival story than a Western. But I will give it credit for trying something different. It’s just not my cup of coffee.

Rex: "Different strokes for different folks." The film also offers a fascinating critique of capitalism and the American Dream. McCabe’s entrepreneurial efforts are undercut by the ruthless tactics of a large mining company, reflecting the brutal realities of economic power dynamics. The relationship between McCabe and Mrs. Miller is complex and layered, adding depth to the narrative.

Duke: Yeah, about that relationship – it’s more of a business deal than anything else. And the ending? Talk about a downer. I won't spoil it for you folks, but don't expect any riding off into the sunset. It’s a far cry from the John Wayne classics I grew up on. But I suppose if you’re into moody, atmospheric films, you might find something to appreciate here.

Rex: "Every cloud has a silver lining." McCabe & Mrs. Miller might not be a traditional Western, but it’s a masterful film in its own right. Altman’s direction, the hauntingly beautiful score by Leonard Cohen, and the poignant performances by Beatty and Christie make it a standout. It challenges the conventions of the genre and offers a fresh perspective on the Western mythos.

Duke: Well, if you’re looking for a Western that’s more about atmosphere than action, give McCabe & Mrs. Miller a shot. But if you’re like me and prefer your cowboys to be a little more straightforward, you might want to skip it.

Rex: "To each his own," Duke. Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!

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About the Authors

Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.

An old cowboy who can never find his hat, Duke pairs up with Rex for Hats Off to Hollywood, a fun and lively review of films and TV shows posted every Wednesday. Duke is a ticklish grandpa who detests movies and TV shows, adding a unique twist to their reviews.