Lonesome Dove, Witliff and suggestions

 Douglas Smith Biz of Film 002

10.20.20

 

Simon Wincer's 1989 Western Lonesome Dove is a story that seems to come right out of history and onto the screen. While the acting, set design and cinematography may seem to reflect the craft of the 1980's in an obvious way, it becomes clear that what really matters about this piece is the characters and locations themselves. Set in a world that feels familiar yet has long ceased to exist, Lonesome Dove stands on its own as a uniquely Southwestern epic built upon stylistic realism, movement, and studied characterization.                                                                                  Set initially in 1870's Texas, the tale follows an outfit of liverymen working on a small ranch near the Mexican border. Composed of former Texas Rangers and a young man the troupe comes into contact with Irishmen, Mexicans, gamblers, prostitutes' and more on their travels as cattle drivers. The adventures are not without misfortune, arguments and inter group development as might be expected in such dangerous and personal circumstances. What remains a triumph of the production is the recreation of a by gone landscape that is now largely dotted by powerlines and many towns.                                                                                                                                     Some of the two most recognizable characters in the show are Robert Duvall’s Gus McCrae and Tommy Lee jones’ Captain Call. Together, this oppositional pair creates an atmosphere of friendly contest in the piece, which itself benefits from the ‘hardiness’ of the cowboy types driving forward the plot. Especially noticeable is Duvall’s dedication to his character and the authenticity with which he comes across. Its no wonder that he apparently practiced method acting round the clock while on the set, or so I’m told.                                                     Overall, I found Lonesome Dove to be an enjoyable caricature of the post war south. With scenes like a boy falling victim to water moccasins, and a prostitute temporarily abandoning her promise to another man the realism of the time period certainly peeked through and I became fascinated.

I thought the Witliff virtual tour was a solid experience in the end even if technical difficulties did end up happening. I had been to the museum myself before and while seeing exhibits on a screen is never quite as fulfilling as it is in person, it was certainly a better alternative to missing out. The answers from Tom and the gang made it all that much better.