Blood on the Moon

Rafael "Mister Movie" Jovine3.5

Action! - Robert the WiseClassic Western in so many ways, meaning it sticks to a lot of the conventions of the genre and doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table. However, with that out of the way, and judging it by its own merit, it's still a pretty entertaining movie. Some great shootouts, Mitchum playing a good man and, as always, delivering alone with his commanding presence and, surprisingly, some really stunning cinematography. The way cinematographer Nicholas Musuraca employs lighting, exploiting and putting some emphasis on shadows, hiding their characters within them (especially in the final showdown), helps with the psychological aspect the film apparently is going for but also lends it a sort of noir touch.All in all, again, nothing particularly extraordinary but nonetheless a really enjoyable film anchored by some great performances and direction.TODAY SCHEDULESnitchMr. ArkadinPeople Will TalkBlood on the Moon

Jamelle Bouie3.5

Yes, I am watching the Criterion Channel’s “Western Noir” collection.The thing about these movies, and BLOOD ON THE MOON in particular, is how they use the sweeping, picaresque landscapes of the West to create a powerful contrast with dark events of the film. Grand vistas that should inspire are actually just backdrops for greed, corruption and venality. The “real West” isn’t the towering mountains or the clear blue sky or the endless fields. It is, instead, the dilapidated towns, dingy saloons and struggling farms. There are no heroes — no cowboy adventurers to revere — only men and women fighting to survive in a cruel, indifferent world.

pirateneckbeard4.0

As much as this is a great title it has really nothing to do with the story but if that's what is necessary to get viewership then all the better cause this is definitely going to hold it's viewers with some solid actors and it's look. Robert Wise just shows us that he is a director that can tackle any genre with panache and give it smart details that engage an audience. I love me some Mitchum and he just delivers a cool savvy cowboy profile here and Robert Preston is great as a villain in this. I could go on with the cast but I really want to draw attention to Nicholas Musuraca's beautiful cinematography rendering these vivid black and white landscapes mainly at night that were just breathtaking. As for the story it's well crafted with smart story angles while relying on standard relationship bullet points. all in all a well noirish western that is balanced on all fronts and holds a look that feels grittier for the time it was made. I would recommend this whole heartedly and has a running time under an hour and a half amazing.