DbcultAccessing Vault...
6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. The Cowboy and the Bandit remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you have a soft spot for old-school, black-and-white westerns that don't ask for too much brain power, maybe. But if you hate plot holes that you could drive a stagecoach through, stay far away.
It’s the kind of movie where people appear in the desert out of thin air. You know, like magic, but with more spurs.
The whole thing feels like it was filmed in a hurry. You’ll notice the shadows shifting in ways that make zero sense, like the sun had a mind of its own. It’s charming in a weird way, honestly.
There’s this one scene where Bill and Scarface are talking, and I’m pretty sure the guy in the background is just waiting for his bus. Or maybe he’s just bored. I don’t blame him.
It reminds me a bit of the chaotic energy in Speed Crazed, though with way more dirt and fewer engines. You can tell they were trying to do a lot with not much.
Why does everyone in this town just hang out at the ranch? Do they not have homes? It feels like the entire population of the state is just three guys and a horse.
The dialogue is stiff, like they were reading it off a piece of paper taped to the cactus. But then again, maybe that’s the point. It’s not trying to be The Dragon Painter or some high-art masterpiece. It’s just a western.
Sometimes, it's just nice to watch people ride horses and argue.
The ending comes out of nowhere. One second they’re in trouble, the next, it’s all wrapped up. Like the film reel just ran out of space. I didn't even realize the final showdown was happening until it was already over. 🤠
Don't look for logic. You won't find it here. Just enjoy the ride if you're in the mood for something dusty and a little bit clunky.