McCabe and Mrs.Miller Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: McCabe and Mrs.Miller
Director: Robert Altman
Year: 1971
Country: U.S
Language: English

My friend Cori Fay recommended that I watch her favourite film McCabe and Mrs.Miller and so I did. I've heard of it before, but I was reluctant to see it as I foolishly assumed that it was only as good as the average Western. I've heard of the Director Robert Altman as I had seen his Godsford Park a while ago but wasn't fond of it, which deterred me from seeing anything else he has made. I am proud to say that I was wrong, this film was a unique experience. A western, or should I say anti-western, unlike any other.

The film is set during the winter in the Old West. A charismatic yet foolish John McCabe (Warren Beatty) arrives in a young Pacific Northwest town to set up a whorehouse/tavern. The shrewd Mrs. Miller (Julie Christie), a professional madam, arrives soon after construction begins. She offers to use her experience to help McCabe run his business, while sharing in the profits. The whorehouse thrives despite their conflicting philosophies. Soon they attract the attention of a major corporation, which wants to buy out McCabe along with the rest. If he refuses his decision has major repercussions on those around him.

The Western protagonist is typically known for their unwavering codes and morals. Western heroes are supposed to do anything they can to stop their town from being taken over by tyrants. Society is built on law and order, and nothing will stray the hero from their ethics. McCabe is quite different from this mythical hero. He is neither good nor evil, nether incredibly brave or incredibly cowardly. Like Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood he seems only interested in making money, though unlike Plainview McCabe doesn't make an obsession out of greed and therefore is quite likeable.

Perhaps McCabe's naive view of capitalism is what makes him a tragic character. He thinks he can simply make money in a small town without any interference. He either forgets or doesn't know that he lives in a dog eat dog world. Luck is only possible in games of card. A lyric in Leonard Cohen's song Sisters of Mercy perfectly describes the fate of the character "You who must leave everything that you cannot control / it begins with your family but soon it comes round to your soul." We can relate this to our modern society. If a Wal Mart comes to your town and you're a small business owner you will have two choices: Sell your business or keep it going. Unfortunately either choice would result in the death of your business.

In conclusion, the last forty minutes of this film was exhilarating. I have never seen such an engulfing climax to a western film before. Beautifully shot and acted in a white snowstorm. There is somewhat of a love story in this film, but it unfortunately doesn't progress enough to be anything significant, which I think adds to the tragedy of this film. This is definitely a memorable film and I am sure I will see it again sooner than later. Praise it! 5/5