What an interesting movie this is. It has more in common with High Noon and other mid 20th Century Westerns in terms of its subject matter than contemporary cop/gangster movies. Perhaps this had something to do with its commercial failure; maybe audiences and critics alike didn't quite know how to categorise it. I suspect also the idea that an entire precinct was bent was probably a bit too much. In Westerns that side of the equation was made by rogue posses, evil ranchers and their crew -and the like- a template which is easier to accept.
Still, some fine acting all round. The cinematography was pedestrian unfortunately, and the pacing was out of whack imo, both of which prevented the movie from getting a decent head of steam. And there are way too many peripheral characters that serve no real point at all. This could have been a very good movie, but as it is, it is an ok movie that should have been a lot better.
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Reply by tmdb53400018
on September 28, 2020 at 1:58 PM
Hey Jacinto. I actually agree with all of your points, to the extent that I can remember what you're referring to in the film. I'd say the part of it where director James Mangold really showed his hand was when injured Sheriff Sly does a slow walk through town - very macho, and it feels similar to some of those westerns you're talking about.
Reply by Jacinto Cupboard
on September 30, 2020 at 3:14 AM
The only other of his films I have seen is Girl Interrupted which definitely wasn't a Western. But on the strength of Cop Land I might check out his remake of 3:10 To Yuma.
Reply by tmdb53400018
on September 30, 2020 at 3:20 AM
It's good, Jacinto. Be warned, however, that the ending is brutal.
Reply by Jacinto Cupboard
on September 30, 2020 at 3:57 AM
LOL Thx for the heads up CF.