The Reivers (1969 film)

The Reivers (1969 film) is a classic American film directed by Mark Rydell and starring Steve McQueen, Sharon Farrell, and Ruth White. The movie is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by William Faulkner, published in 1962 by Random House. The film features a strong supporting cast, including Michael Constantine, Clifton James, and Burgess Meredith, and was released by National General Pictures on December 25, 1969. The movie's score was composed by renowned film composer John Williams, who also worked on Jaws, Star Wars, and Indiana Jones.

Plot

The Reivers tells the story of a young boy named Lucius Priest, who embarks on a journey with his friend Boon Hogganbeck and a Ford Model T automobile, which they steal from Lucius's grandfather, Boss Priest. Along the way, they meet a woman named Molly, who becomes embroiled in their adventures, and encounter various characters, including a Memphis pimp and a group of sharecroppers. The story explores themes of coming of age, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of the American South during the early 20th century, as depicted in the works of authors like Flannery O'Connor and Tennessee Williams. The film's narrative is also reminiscent of the Great American Novels, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

Production

The Reivers was produced by Irwin Winkler and Robert Chartoff, who also worked on films like Rocky and Raging Bull, in association with Duo Films and Solar Productions. The screenplay was written by Irv Kershner, Harriet Frank Jr., and Irving Ravetch, who drew inspiration from Faulkner's novel and incorporated elements of Southern Gothic literature, as seen in the works of authors like Truman Capote and Eudora Welty. The film was shot on location in Mississippi and Tennessee, with cinematography by Richard Moore (cinematographer) and editing by Thomas Stanford, who also worked on films like The Wild Bunch and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Cast

The film features a talented cast, including Steve McQueen as Boon Hogganbeck, Sharon Farrell as Molly, and Ruth White as Miss Reba. The cast also includes Michael Constantine as Mr. Binford, Clifton James as Butch Lovemaiden, and Burgess Meredith as Lucius Priest's grandfather, Boss Priest. The actors' performances were praised by critics, with Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times noting the strong chemistry between McQueen and Farrell, and Vincent Canby of The New York Times praising the supporting cast, including Meredith and James.

Reception

The Reivers received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising the film's performances, direction, and themes. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%, with many critics noting its thoughtful and nuanced exploration of complex issues, such as racism and morality, as seen in the works of authors like James Baldwin and Richard Wright. The film was also nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Ruth White's performance, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for Burgess Meredith's performance.

Themes

The Reivers explores a range of themes, including coming of age, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of the American South during the early 20th century. The film also touches on issues of racism, classism, and social justice, as seen in the works of authors like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The movie's use of the Ford Model T as a symbol of freedom and adventure is also noteworthy, as it reflects the American Dream and the idea of the open road, as depicted in the works of authors like Jack Kerouac and John Steinbeck. The film's exploration of these themes is reminiscent of other classic American films, such as The Grapes of Wrath and Easy Rider, and continues to resonate with audiences today, much like the works of Hollywood directors like John Ford and Frank Capra.

Category:American films