Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

Audience Reviews

View More

Albus M Apr 18, 2019 After making his unforgettable western The Wild Bunch (1969), director Sam Peckinpah directs this western, which I think, and many will agree, is a neglected western classic. It's very good, and is based on true events and characters. It features Peckinpah's typical, enjoyable bloody violence, as well as a good performance by James Coburn and Kris Kristofferson. What also aids this movie is a memorable score by Bob Dylan. Overall, this was a very interesting western. It deserves more between three and a half and four stars, but it impressed me... And this proves once again that Sam Peckinpah is one of the greatest directors of his decade. Recommended!! See more

Theodore W Jun 2, 2018 Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid is a flawed but beautiful and gritty western. It's honestly a miracle this film got made at all, given all the production problems, such as the asshole president of MGM, James Aubrey, constantly meddling with the film. Whether it be not giving a proper budget, allowing camera equipment to get fixed, or demanding numerous cuts, production was pure Hell for the director. In the end, the studio sheered off nearly twenty minutes of the film for the original theatrical release, resulting in terrible reviews and disappointing box office results. It wouldn't be until 1988, four years after Peckinpah's death that the world would finally get to see a closer version to his vision. Still, this version doesn't get the treatment it deserved (The Special Edition version had very little care put into restoring it. Instead the 115 minute cut put together by a different party took center stage on that release). That being said, even with its flaws where you can feel the stranglehold of James Aubrey upon them (Even in death, you're a dick), it remains a very compelling, heartfelt western. The plot is about Pat Garrett who leaves his outlaw ways behind him to become a sheriff, who at the behest of cattle ranchers, has to hunt down and capture his old friend, Billy the Kid, dead or alive. It becomes a game of cat and mouse between the two, while they still have their moments of old times between them. It's a film about the end of an era, the changing times, and how those in an old era can be destroyed by the new world. It's also a film about personal honor and friendships in a weird way despite their disputes. Even though I have seen the longest available cut (122 minutes), I wish there was more (I would totally sit through a three or four hour version. However, star, James Coburn, stated that Peckinpah had the proper cut of the film locked away. Where it went? Who knows?). I wanted to get an even deeper look into their friend/enemy relationship, as well as exploring the lives of the other characters we are introduced to. Still, this is a very underrated western that is very compelling, well acted, and mostly well written, complete with an awesome score by Bob Dylan (This is also the origin of the song, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"). If you enjoy a good western, a good drama, or are a fan of Sam Peckinpah's work, this is worth seeing. See more

Abraham G Nov 29, 2017 Pretty enjoyable film, though it could benefit from about 80% less Bob Dylan reaction shots.

Harry S Aug 29, 2017 Decent script, decent acting, decent direction, just not historical.

Draco G Jun 5, 2017 Love this film. Bob Dylans sound track makes it even better.

Rey S Apr 2, 2017 I saw the latest 2005 cut. The film is very 70s. Good acting by James Coburn. The story is a bit strange, Billy the kid being loved so much, there is a huge grey area all over the film. It's as if everyone is a psychopath. Which could be exatly that. So much killing by all sides, dead body left where they fall. It is borderline insane. The music by Bob Dylan, which has a small retard role, is much too nice for such a story. It passes as popcorn movie. Will have to check how far off this is from the real Billy the kid. See more

Read all reviews

Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING