The Tin Star

Not in the mood to write a lengthy review, it’s pretty late and I’m annoyed with myself for wasting so much of my weekend.  The plot of the film doesn’t break the mold very much… the racism elements are a bit intriguing, but a lot of it resembles Shane and narratively, it just doesn’t feel very fresh.  But the execution of it is terrific.  I’d put it up there with some of the best westerns Mann did with James Stewart.  Henry Fonda is superb in the lead.  It’s a very standard western character, but he slips into the role beautifully and turns in a rock solid, tonally consistent performance.  We instinctively understand everything this guy does, through small gestures and glances.  Anthony Perkins might play it too naive but it makes for a very satisfying end to his arc.  The rest of the cast is on the money, too, without anyone worth complaining about.  Okay, the kid is kinda annoying, but nearly as much as the little brat in Shane.  The cinematography by Loyal Griggs (who also shot… wait for it… Shane) is absolutely splendid.  Wonderful framing and movement, there’s barely a shot in here that doesn’t feel like the camera is in just the right place.  The Elmer Bernstein score is pretty sweet, too.  If the story being told is a little dull and a little familiar, you can still revel in the craftsmanship and talent on display.  Rating: Very Good

IMDb