Thank you both for this Hostiles episode. This movie was basically the start of my journey into what's now my favorite genre. And though my heart is usually with the John Ford westerns the most, Hostiles is still my overall favorite.
I won't have a ton to say since you both touched on most of my thoughts, but I'd especially like to call out the cinematography—like all westerns should be, Hostiles has some great shots and scenery, really contrasting the brutality. The shot that stands out the most to me is right before Yellow Hawk dies, about when they get to Montana. Just gorgeous.
Pax talked about the dark mirrors of the characters, how Yellow Hawk and Wills compare with Blocker, and that got me thinking that this whole movie could be compared with The Searchers, how John Wayne's Ethan is contrasted against Blocker. Both start the movies with pure hatred in their hearts for the Natives, both undertake the respective journeys which thaw their inner turmoil (Ethan's just ever so slightly), and then end with the question of what each protagonist has for their future. The lonely shot of John Wayne standing in the doorway before leaving a family he can't be with compared to the brief isolation of Blocker on back of the train, with the knowledge he's going to join his new family.
Yeah, Hostiles is a gorgeous movie despite how difficult it can be to watch, but strangely, one of my comfort movies. Just all around perfection as far as I'm concerned.
Thank you both for this Hostiles episode. This movie was basically the start of my journey into what's now my favorite genre. And though my heart is usually with the John Ford westerns the most, Hostiles is still my overall favorite.
ReplyDeleteI won't have a ton to say since you both touched on most of my thoughts, but I'd especially like to call out the cinematography—like all westerns should be, Hostiles has some great shots and scenery, really contrasting the brutality. The shot that stands out the most to me is right before Yellow Hawk dies, about when they get to Montana. Just gorgeous.
Pax talked about the dark mirrors of the characters, how Yellow Hawk and Wills compare with Blocker, and that got me thinking that this whole movie could be compared with The Searchers, how John Wayne's Ethan is contrasted against Blocker. Both start the movies with pure hatred in their hearts for the Natives, both undertake the respective journeys which thaw their inner turmoil (Ethan's just ever so slightly), and then end with the question of what each protagonist has for their future. The lonely shot of John Wayne standing in the doorway before leaving a family he can't be with compared to the brief isolation of Blocker on back of the train, with the knowledge he's going to join his new family.
Yeah, Hostiles is a gorgeous movie despite how difficult it can be to watch, but strangely, one of my comfort movies. Just all around perfection as far as I'm concerned.
Thank you so much, Ryan! The contrast with The Searchers never occurred to me. What a great comparison.
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