No substitute for the book . . .
Added 11/21/2009
"The Virginian" has one of the most long-lived story lines in the history of western film. How it has evolved over the years from its origins in Owen Wister's novel (1902) is a story unto itself. The first "literary" western, based on Wister's own visits to the West in the 1880s, it became a wildly popular bestseller, was quickly made into a successful stage play, and then five movies and a long-running TV series. A few basic elements of the plot have remained more or less intact: the Virginian's long courtship of Molly, the independent-minded schoolmarm from back East; the hanging of his best friend; the conflict with his nemesis Trampas; the shoot-out at sundown; and the famous line, "Smile when you call me that."
Bill Pullman's version is a lot closer to the original than the TV series, which played fast and loose with the material, but like every other version, it falls short of matching Wister's achievement. Pullman understands that the Virginian is a man of principle, honor, discretion, and remarkable patience. But his portrayal of these character traits makes him too stoic and flat. Wister's Virginian, still in his 20s, has a playful streak that gives him an irresistible, boyish charm. Pullman, unfortunately, is obviously twice that age, and without the youth of a younger actor he comes across as sometimes wooden.
Diane Lane's Molly is actually closer to Wister's conception of her character, and actresses from the beginning have had trouble conveying her spirited independence without seeming either shrill or stubbornly comical. Though Wister makes a point of saying that Molly is not a "New Woman" (i.e. early feminist), she comes across that way anyway - prepared to live her life as a single woman if need be, and free to marry whatever man she chooses, regardless of his social station - in this case, an unschooled, low-born cowboy.
In Wister's novel, there is an element of youthful willfulness to help account for her behavior. Diane Lane's portrayal of a woman somewhat past marrying age makes her independence plausible and even "modern." When she says she won't marry the Virginian if he kills Trampas, she means it, and unlike her predecessors, follows through on her promise. Pullman's Virginian has to go hat in hand to her and persuade her to reconsider. While Wister's ending has her retreating into helpless, all-forgiving love for her man, Pullman's Molly gets to hang on to her scruples about the ethics of gunning down another man in cold blood.
A curious development in this version of the story is the elevation of the character of Balaam, a neighboring rancher who mistreats horses in the novel and represents corresponding weaknesses of character. Here, played by Dennis Weaver, he becomes a second villain, whom the Virginian must deal with in the final shootout with Trampas. For Pullman, Balaam isn't just a bad apple, but a representative of corporate greed. This is a modern development we see in other recent westerns - the crooked CEO of an agribusiness willing to stop at nothing to maximize profits. (Cf. "Appaloosa" and "Open Range".) This development extends the final confrontation scene, but is a major departure from Wister's novel. Having it all take place inside the saloon, instead of out in the street, also limits the potential for suspense (Cf. "High Noon".)
Most agreeable about the film is its attempt to capture the open range of 1880s Wyoming. It portrays the sweeping beauty of the prairies, as well as the sense of isolation when people lived and worked so far from the nearest town or railroad. The music track in its haunting spareness is also very evocative, without the use of a big orchestra that was common in "big" westerns of the past. If you forget Wister and just watch the film as a low-keyed mix of frontier justice and love story, you shouldn't be disappointed, but treat yourself to the original sometime. Read "The Virginian."
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Sweet Story
Added 6/13/2009
The Virginian is a sweet story in the tradition of old westerns and with the same charm as the old TV series. The ending is the twist you always wanted to see in the series. It was a nice role for Bill Pullman who plays this type of character so much better than some of the rougher and very unlikeable other movies I have seen him in.
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Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Added 6/28/2006
There are no words to describe how SLOW this movie was from beginning to end, but let me try anyway so as to give people a fair chance to avoid it and thus try and prevent their day/evening from being ruined: the film deals with the story of a schoolteacher from New England who meets a Virginian cowboy on the plains of Wyoming.
The presence of Bill Pullman and Diane Lane did very little to alleviate the pain of watching this slooow and boooring mooovie...
In addition, Diane Lane's character was way to pushy/bossy/feminist for late 19th century, making it rather unrealistic.
As for the supporting characters, this film does not seem to be their thing, and subsequently they look like they are out of place.
In relation to the plot and the dialogues, they are way beyond "below average."
With the exception of the setting, (the plains are indeed breathtaking!) everything else is nothing to write home about.
In conclusion, the potential for a decent movie was there if only the writers had the ability to... write! A shame really...
Rent or buy at your own risk.
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Love this movie.
Added 9/14/2005
I love westerns. Simple, clean, classic stories of moral dilemas. This is one of my favorites.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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the virginian
Added 11/7/2004
i liked this movie but would recommend that it would be put into dvd so that all the scenery can be seen as well.
5 out of 7 people found this helpful.
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