Customer Reviews

The Virginian [VHS]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I personally enjoyed this production of the Virginian, but I will say that having read the book beforehand helped me out a lot. The plot is rushed through in places, and I imagine some would find spots of it hard to follow if unfamiliar with the story. I also found there to be a lack of character development, which could further mystify those who haven't read the book. Unfortunately, two hours of film just isn't enough to do this fine book justice. It just kills me that Bill Pullman didn't produce this as a mini-series a la Lonesome Dove; it would have been hands-down fantastic!

However, as is I enjoyed Bill Pullman as the leading man; his every-day guy look made him more realistic and a nice change from the stereotypical square-jawed hunk. I also loved the cinematography of the picture; it really gives one the feeling of the West's vast, wide-open spaces. Truly stunning scenery, especially with the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. And, while just a snip of the whole story, I felt the movie definately contained the spirit of Wistner's book. I really enjoyed the fact that it used the same manner of speech and kept the old-fashioned feel; a touching love story with simple, honest characters. Some may find it a bit mellow, but you need to remember that the book was written almost 100 years ago in 1902. I was personally thankful that they didn't try to snaz up the story in an attempt to appeal to a finicky modern audience; the book is a classic, and deserves to shine through as origionally written.

So, if you are willing to overlook a few flaws (mainly, rushing the story) I would recommend this version of the Virginian if you want a sweet, serious movie that is beautiful to look at ultimately touches the heart.

In 1902 Owen Wister wrote The Virginian and created the template for all future cowboy heroes. This seminal tale includes the man with no name, the school marm from the East, the betrayal of a friend and the final showdown between hero and villain. Bill Pullman, one of Hollywood's best and most versatile actors, makes his directorial debut here and does himself proud. He lovingly retells this story of the classic American cowboy, staying true to the book's language, pace and tone. The photography is lush, the music evocative and the acting by Diane Lane, Dennis Weaver and John Savage is dead on. At the center, though, is Pullman's performance as the outsider who's slow to anger but quick on the draw. The Virginian is the quintessential strong, soft spoken hero we've come to know in so many subsequent westerns. Unlike a lot of actor/directors, who might have been tempted to create more of a showcase for themselves, Pullman is smart enough to play The Virginian as written- quietly powerful and restrained. His performance has garnered him comparisons to Gary Cooper and justifiably so. One of very few actors who can manage to wear western gear, ride a horse and look authentic, Pullman effortlessly embodies the solid, unwavering character so identified with the American West. He also manages to utter the classic line,"When you call me that, smile..." and makes it real. Ironically, in so closely preserving the tenor of the book, Pullman gives the film a look and feel different than most westerns. But, this is the real deal, the original, and well worth the few minutes it takes to get used to the antiquated 19th century dialogue. The only thing that could possibly enhance your enjoyment of this film would be to see it on a large screen or DVD. Maybe TNT should give it some thought. It's a beauty.

More and more, I'm growing fond of westerns; and when I saw that Bill Pullman (I'm a big fan of his) was actor and director in this film, I just had to see it. I saw it uninterrupted and loved it. The scenery was breath taking and, ah, the sound of those violins. I thought Mr. Pullman did a real fine job in the role of the Virginian and as director. Diane Lane was a good choice for the role of Molly Stark. James Drury was impressive as the messenger. In fact, applause to all concerned. Although it may go against the tradition of the previous "Virginians", I'm hoping Mr. Pullman does a sequel. This video won't be available for sale until February 2001, and I've already placed my order. I can't sign off without commenting on the review from Copacabana, Australia. It was appalling and should have been banned.

This is one of the best westerns I have ever seen. After spending our vacation in Montana this year, this video made me yearn for that majestic loneliness and the strong sense of the importance of the individual. The unusual score also adds a mysterious, haunting quality to the film.

Yes, the story is a tad rushed, but the acting is superb. For a first time director, Pullman, certainly drew touchingly realistic portrayals from the fine cast. It is interesting to note how Pullman has "modernized" The Virginian by making him not such the perfect "natural man", ala Fennimore Cooper. He is rather a man filled with a sense of anxiety and doubt, but who also has a strong sense of his own worth and duty to the people around him.

I can't believe some of the bad reviews this film was given. These are probably the same people that enjoy these so called artsy independent films that are going straight to video. Bill Pullman did try some things with direction which may or may not have worked. But more importantly I think he made a very ENTERTAINING film of STRONG CHARACTER and INTEGRITY. Films like this could only get made on TV and I think that is a shame. Unlike most movies I watch nowadays I felt fantastic at the end of it, and not like I had just wasted a couple hours of my time. I will definitely add it to my collection when it comes to DVD.

How refreshing to see a movie that is not filled with blood and guts and chase scene/shoot-em up fillers. No special effects, just a great story, beautiful scenery, and good acting. I loved it. The Virginian is a superior western. I too would have loved to see this as a mini-series. It was too short, I wanted more.

The true-to-the-era complexities, tempo, dialogue, and settings make this one of the rare films with a soul of its own. The film was also perfectly caste and should have swept the Emmies.

It is one of the few films I can watch repeatedly. It is such a rich work that I always pickup on something I didn't fully appreciate before regarding how the ideas expressed in the dialogue and situations inter-relate and develop throughout the film.

I really enjoyed this film, Bill Pullman was great in the leading role and made a fine job as director. The only reason I did not give the film five stars was because it could have been a little longer, I would have liked more time to get to know the main characters. If you like Westerns then this old style gentle film with a romantic story line is a good one to try.

i liked this movie but would recommend that it would be put into dvd so that all the scenery can be seen as well.

Although this western was not exactly what I expected, I really enjoyed it. I felt that it was a good versus evil type movie with a very evil villain. Dennis Weaver was cast against type as the protagonist. It also had a credible love story to keep the ladies attention. I thought it was more realistic in that the Virginian was depicted as a regular type of guy who had some very difficult decisions to make. He made the decisions and then he had to suffer the consequences.