High Plains Drifter (1973) is an American Western film directed by Clint Eastwood, who also starred in the film. The film’s screenplay was written by Ernest Tidyman, based on a story by Eastwood. The film was released by Universal Pictures on May 17, 1973.
Writer: Ernest Tidyman: Shaft (1971), The French Connection (1971)
Release Date: May 17, 1973
Domestic Box Office: $15.7 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Clint Eastwood as The Stranger
- Verna Bloom as Sarah Belding
- Mariana Hill as Callie Travers
- Mitch Ryan as Frank
- Jack Ging as Sheriff
“I’m not a miracle worker, lady.” – The Stranger
Critic Reviews:
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film 4 out of 4 stars, calling it “a strange, haunting film that is both a Western and a morality play.”
- Pauline Kael of The New Yorker called the film “a masterpiece of Western nihilism” and praised Eastwood’s performance as “the most enigmatic and charismatic he has ever given.”
- Vincent Canby of The New York Times called the film “a stylish and atmospheric Western” but found it “to be ultimately unsatisfying.”
- David Denby of New York magazine called the film “a minor classic” and praised Eastwood’s performance as “the best of his career.”
Cinematic Importance:Â High Plains Drifter (1973) is a significant film for several reasons. First, it is a well-made and well-acted film that tells a compelling story. Second, it is a departure from the traditional Western, as it features a mysterious and enigmatic protagonist who is more of a force of nature than a traditional hero. Third, the film is visually striking and atmospheric, and it features some of Eastwood’s best work as an actor and director. High Plains Drifter is a classic Western that is still relevant today.
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