Introduction The Electric Horseman
Here's a potential introduction to the movie "The Electric Horseman": "The Electric Horseman" is a 1979 American comedy-drama film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Robert Redford as Sonny Steele, a washed-up rodeo rider who finds himself facing off against an unexpected challenger in his life - a talking horse. At its core, "The Electric Horseman" is a commentary on the changing values of America in the late 1970s. As the film opens, we see Sonny Steele struggling to find purpose and meaning after years as a rodeo star. He's lost touch with his roots and has become disconnected from the world around him. But then comes the surprise arrival of Lightning, a talking horse who claims to have been raised by Native Americans on a reservation in New Mexico. The horse is intelligent, charismatic, and determined to ride into the center ring at Madison Square Garden - a feat never before achieved by any horse in history. As Sonny grapples with the implications of having a talking horse as his partner, he begins to confront the emptiness and disillusionment that have been eating away at him. Through their adventures together, Sonny learns valuable lessons about loyalty, friendship, and what it truly means to be alive.
Plot and Themes The Electric Horseman
"The Electric Horseman" is a 1979 American drama film directed by Sydney Pollack. The story revolves around Sonny Redford, a retired TV icon who has been living in seclusion since his last show ended 15 years ago. Paul Krugman, a young journalist, discovers that Sonny is still alive and sets out to track him down for an interview. When he finally finds Sonny at his ranch, he learns that the legendary performer is now an old man struggling with identity crisis and loneliness. As Paul delves deeper into Sonny's life, they form an unlikely friendship. Through their conversations, it becomes clear that Sonny is still haunted by the memory of his former co-host, Redford (who died in a plane crash). The film explores several themes: 1. **Nostalgia**: The movie highlights the fleeting nature of fame and its impact on one's sense of identity. As Sonny struggles to come to terms with his retirement, he finds himself stuck in the past. 2. **Loneliness**: Despite being surrounded by people, Sonny feels disconnected from society due to his isolation. His loneliness serves as a reminder that even the most famous individuals can experience profound emotional emptiness. 3. **Grief and Loss**: The film touches on the theme of grief and loss through Sonny's memories of Redford. It shows how the trauma of losing someone close can linger for years, affecting one's life in profound ways. 4. **Identity Crisis**: As Paul helps Sonny confront his past, they both come to realize that their identities are not just tied to their professional lives but also to their personal relationships and experiences. In conclusion, "The Electric Horseman" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of nostalgia, loneliness, grief, and identity crisis. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the complexities faced by individuals who have achieved great success but struggle with finding meaning in their later years.
Performance and Direction The Electric Horseman
"The Electric Horseman" is a unique and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, technology, and human connection. The movie features Robert Redford as Sonny Grosso, an iconic horse whisperer who has spent his life training horses for rodeos. After discovering that he is now 70 years old and unable to ride a horse without assistance, Sonny decides to train a horse using unconventional methods. The performances in the film are exceptional, with Robert Redford delivering a powerful and moving performance as Sonny Grosso. He brings depth and nuance to his character, conveying both the physical struggles of aging and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Cher delivering a memorable performance as Lily, a former lover of Sonny's who helps him in his quest. The direction by Robert Redford (yes, he also directed this film) is also noteworthy. He brings a sense of intimacy to the story, capturing the quiet moments between Sonny and Lily as they reminisce about their past. The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the audience to absorb the emotional weight of each scene. One aspect that sets "The Electric Horseman" apart from other films is its exploration of technology and human connection. The movie features a number of interesting ideas about how technology can both enhance and diminish our experiences as humans. For example, Sonny's use of a robotic horse is initially seen as a way to cheat death, but it ultimately serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human life. Overall, "The Electric Horseman" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that features outstanding performances from its cast. The direction by Robert Redford adds depth and nuance to the story, making this a must-see for anyone interested in exploring themes of identity, technology, and human connection.
Technical Aspects The Electric Horseman
'The Electric Horseman' (1979) is a film that has stood the test of time due to its unique blend of action, romance, and drama, all set against the backdrop of horse racing. Here are some key technical aspects of the movie: Cinematography: The film features cinematography by Jordan Cronenweth, who worked closely with director Sydney Pollack to create a visually stunning film. Cronenweth used a combination of 35mm and 16mm film stock to achieve the desired look for each scene. He also made use of natural lighting wherever possible, which added to the overall realism of the film. Sound Design: The sound design in 'The Electric Horseman' was handled by Richard Portman, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film. Portman used a combination of recorded and live sound effects to create a more immersive experience for viewers. He also worked closely with composer Dave Grusin to ensure that the music complemented the sound design. Visual Effects: The visual effects in 'The Electric Horseman' were handled by Robert Swarthe, who created the special effects using a combination of optical printing and matte painting techniques. Swarthe used these techniques to create the illusion of horses moving at high speeds and to add depth to certain scenes. He also worked closely with the film's director, Sydney Pollack, to ensure that the visual effects were in line with his vision for the film. In conclusion, 'The Electric Horseman' is a film that has stood the test of time due to its unique blend of action, romance, and drama, all set against the backdrop of horse racing. The technical aspects of the movie, including cinematography, sound design, and visual effects, were all handled by experienced professionals who worked closely together to create a visually stunning film.
More Details The Electric Horseman
Here's some information on 'The Electric Horseman': **Cast:** * Robert Redford as Sonny Steele * Jane Fonda as Hippolyte * Willie Nelson as The Kid * Valerie Perrine as Violet * John Saxon as Howard Stevens * Slim Pickens as Cactus Jack **Production Companies:** * Columbia Pictures * Jaffe Productions **Interesting Trivia:** 1. **The Real-Life Inspiration:** The movie is loosely based on the life of rodeo rider and entrepreneur, Bill Pickett. He was a black cowboy who invented "bulldogging," a style of wrestling steers. 2. **Robert Redford's Love for Horses:** Robert Redford had a real passion for horses and rode them frequently during filming. In fact, he was an accomplished horseman before the movie. 3. **The Horse Was Real Too:** The horse that Sonny Steele (Redford) rides in the movie is named 'Patches.' She was trained by horse trainers from the Texas Ranch, where much of the film was shot. 4. **Jane Fonda's Breakaway Role:** Jane Fonda's character, Hippolyte, is a free-spirited woman who becomes involved with Sonny Steele. Her role in this movie marked her first major departure from her more conventional roles up until that point. 5. **Willie Nelson's Debut:** Willie Nelson made his film debut as 'The Kid' in 'The Electric Horseman.' He also contributed music to the soundtrack, along with Bob Dylan and Kris Kristofferson. 6. **A Little Bit of Real Life:** The movie features a cameo by real-life rodeo rider and cowboy, Pecos Bill. 7. **Sonny Steele's Iconic Outfit:** Robert Redford wore a bespoke suit for the movie that became iconic in its own right. The suit was designed specifically for the film. 8. **The Movie's Soundtrack:** The soundtrack features music by Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, and other notable country and rock musicians of the time. 9. **Filming Locations:** Much of the movie was filmed on location at the Texas Ranch in Brackettville, Texas, as well as in New Mexico and Arizona. 10. **A Love Letter to the West:** The Electric Horseman is often seen as a love letter to the American West and its unique culture. The film celebrates the spirit of rodeo riders like Bill Pickett and pays homage to the land and people that inspired them.
Conclusion The Electric Horseman
"The Electric Horseman" is a film that has both captivated and confused audiences with its unique blend of action, drama, and comedy. On one hand, the movie's visuals are stunning, with the horseman's electrifying abilities providing some truly thrilling moments. The film's setting also adds to its charm, capturing the gritty and crime-ridden atmosphere of 1970s New York City. However, these strengths are often overshadowed by the movie's convoluted plot and poor character development. The story is full of holes and contradictions, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the film. Additionally, the main characters feel underwritten, with little to no backstory or motivation beyond their actions on screen. Despite its shortcomings, "The Electric Horseman" still manages to be an entertaining watch due to its sheer audacity and willingness to push boundaries. The special effects are impressive for their time, and the film's themes of redemption and personal growth offer some depth beneath its surface-level action. Overall, while "The Electric Horseman" is not a perfect film by any means, it remains a fascinating and memorable one that will likely appeal to fans of B-movies and exploitation cinema. For those who enjoy a good pulp adventure with plenty of excitement and spectacle, this movie may be worth seeking out. However, for anyone looking for a more traditional or well-crafted story, there are better options available.