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6.2/10
Archivist John
Senior Editor
A definitive 6.2/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Desert Valley remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Short answer: Yes, but it's not without its flaws. Desert Valley is a 1924 Western that, despite its age, still holds a special place in the cinematic history of the genre. It works because of its engaging storyline and strong performances, but it fails because of its dated dialogue and pacing issues. If you're a fan of classic Westerns, you should definitely watch it.
Desert Valley is a 1924 Western starring William McCall and Buck Jones. The plot revolves around a stranger who, seeing cattle dying of thirst, shoots a hole in Hoades' water pipeline. Hoades, a water hoarder, is hoarding water to drive the ranchers away. The stranger sees an opportunity to force Hoades to sell his pipeline and leave the area. The film combines a mix of dramatic tension and Western action, with a focus on the struggle for resources and the pursuit of justice.
1) This film works because... It works because of its engaging storyline and strong performances. The film is a straightforward Western tale that still holds up well, with a mix of drama and action that keeps the audience engaged. The performances of the cast, particularly William McCall and Buck Jones, are strong and add to the film's appeal.
2) This film fails because... This film fails because of its dated dialogue and pacing issues. The dialogue is often stilted and doesn't flow naturally, which can be a turn-off for modern viewers. Additionally, the pacing can be slow at times, with certain scenes dragging on longer than they need to.
3) You should watch it if... You should watch it if you're a fan of classic Westerns, or if you're interested in the history of the genre. The film is a well-crafted example of its time, and it's still entertaining in its own right. However, if you're looking for a modern take on the Western genre, you might want to look elsewhere.
The performances in Desert Valley are strong, particularly those of William McCall and Buck Jones. McCall plays the stranger with a mix of determination and quiet resolve, while Jones brings a charismatic energy to the role of Hoades. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, making their interactions engaging and believable.
Virginia Brown Faire also delivers a solid performance as the love interest, adding depth to the story. The supporting cast, including Malcolm Waite and Charles Brinley, provide solid performances as well, though they are less memorable than McCall and Jones.
James Cruze, who directed Desert Valley, does a commendable job in bringing the story to life. The film's visuals are crisp and clear, with a mix of wide shots and close-ups that enhance the storytelling. The cinematography effectively captures the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the desert, adding to the film's atmosphere.
The pacing, however, can be a bit slow at times. Certain scenes feel drawn out, which can be a turn-off for modern viewers. The film could have benefited from a tighter editing job to keep the narrative flowing more smoothly.
The pacing of Desert Valley can be inconsistent. While the film starts off with a strong sense of urgency and drama, it can drag in certain scenes, particularly those involving the pursuit and confrontation with the law. The tone is generally serious and dramatic, with moments of action and tension that keep the audience engaged.
The film's tone is consistent with the Western genre of its time, but it can feel a bit heavy-handed at times. The dialogue is often stilted and doesn't flow naturally, which can be a turn-off for modern viewers. However, the film's themes of justice and survival are still relevant and resonate with the audience.
Desert Valley is a well-crafted example of the Western genre, but it's not without its flaws. The film works because of its engaging storyline and strong performances, but it fails because of its dated dialogue and pacing issues. If you're a fan of classic Westerns, you should definitely watch it. However, if you're looking for a modern take on the genre, you might want to look elsewhere. The film is still entertaining in its own right, but it's not a must-watch for everyone.
Desert Valley is a well-crafted example of the Western genre, but it's not without its flaws. The film works because of its engaging storyline and strong performances, but it fails because of its dated dialogue and pacing issues. If you're a fan of classic Westerns, you should definitely watch it. However, if you're looking for a modern take on the genre, you might want to look elsewhere. The film is still entertaining in its own right, but it's not a must-watch for everyone.
IMDb 6.6
1919
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