Howdy do, everyone, Papa Vinyard here.
While I'm not super-optimistic about the box office prospects of the latest Gore Verbinski-Johnny Depp collaboration, THE LONE RANGER, I have to admit, this clip makes me think the film could be rather enjoyable. Verbinski and cinematographer seem to be evoking Leone (or trying to, at least, which is a start) in some of these shots, especially that tracking shot of Armie Hammer following Depp's Tonto past the truck and into the desert, and the fact that Tonto doesn't notice the cadre of horseman until the horse's face enters the shot; very THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY visual logic. I like that this seems to be a more physical role for Depp, instead of his dialogue-heavy performances in DARK SHADOWS, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, and the ilk. Flicks like EDWARD SCISSORHANDS and FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS show how much the seasoned actor can accomplish with body language and well-executed facial expressions. I'd be more onboard if we had a more tested lead than Hammer, and this clip doesn't do much to dissuade that, but I'm hopeful he can hold down the film, and help make this an enjoyable, lively big-budget western and not WILD WILD WEST.
THE LONE RANGER rides on July 3rd.
-Vincent Zahedi
”Papa Vinyard”
vincentzahedi@gmail.com
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