In the mid-eighties Westerns were quite a dying breed, but then "Silverado" came riding along with it's sprawling old-west backdrops, spirited old-fashion heroism and a star-studded cast from its leads to minor support. In all honesty the main pulling power for me was that it featured Scott Glenn and everything else was an added bonus. Kevin Kline (never seen him this charismatic before), Scott Glenn (starch as ever), Kevin Costner and Danny Glover play four unwitting heroes who cross paths on their journey to the town Silverado. But the town is run by a greedy landowner and a corrupt sheriff, where our four heroes all seem to have some sort past to overcome when reaching there. "Silverado" doesn't go that far beyond its common ground, but its compelling enough as it makes up for it with its authentic look and enthusiastic direction in installing the western myths. In support you got the likes of Brian Dennehy, Linda Hunt, Ray Baker, Jeff Fahey, Rosanna Arquette, John Cleese, Jeff Goldblum, Lynn Whitfield, Amanda Wyss and James Gammon. The chemistry between everyone simply clicked. Dennehy, Baker and Fahey were great in their villain roles. Even Cleese in a rather deadpan turn was a hoot. Hunt stood out too. Sadly Arquette was under-used with most of her story hitting the cutting room floor. It's a rollicking adventure, done in a traditional style harking back to those westerns of the 40s and 50s era. Our four protagonists have their own responsibilities, dynamics and the story gives them equal weight to express them as the multiple stories come together in one epic standoff. Gunslingers Kline and Dennehy final showdown goes on to cement the competent, if stagy style that's cemented through out, especially the use of the camera in its scenic positioning. Plus the opening sequences with Glenn impresses too. One thing that did feature heavily in the script was that it didn't take itself too seriously by taking time out for some self-knowing quips. It could have come across as an uneasy mix, but it did seem to pay off more so than not. The music had that grand feel. Well-worn clichés can't harm a flamboyant western with a stellar cast.
"You used to ride with that guy?"
"You used to ride with that guy?"