A very meditative, pensive western, an initial failure after studio truncation but then restored to its original form by director Peckinpah (subsequently released in 1988, four years after his death). Coburn was never better as gunman turned sheriff Pat Garrett who goes head-to-head with former friend, partner and outlaw Billy the Kid (Kristofferson). This elegy to the Old West, a time of myth and legend, has a mournful and sombre tone due to the impending decay of that wild way of life as modern advancement begins to take effect. The brooding performances, featuring a veteran cast (of the western genre) add to the effect in this complex, rich and incisive film that’s worthy of multiple viewings. Dylan, who plays Alias, supplies a collection of atmospheric songs.
