The Hired Hand
He deserted his family to explore the frontier. But life is about to lead him home.
After roaming the frontier, a wayward husband returns home to his wife and child. But rebuilding their family will involve an unexpected test of faith...and a vital journey of forgiveness.
Member Reviews
A Film-makers Film - newdaysof
The Hired Hand is an all-but-forgotten gem starring and directed by Peter Fonda. The storyline is simple, almost too simple, but that is the genius of it because it explores the Western genre from a more subtle, human, artistic point of view.
The cinematography is excellent, showcasing the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the New Mexican wilderness. The director of photography, the director and editor take the film to a new level of artistic achievement with overlapping and layering of images, silhouettes, slow-motion and still frame shots. The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly complements the action and artistic images. Fonda also accomplishes some amazing single-shot sequences that begin with a close-up, turn to a far-away scene and then follow action, finishing with a still shot. Simply amazing stuff.
The actors are excellent, especially Warren Oates who play a likeable side-kick to Fonda's character. The script and dialogue are excellent, breaking many of the old Western cliches to bring a more human, emotional, more genuine side to the characters.
This is the kind of film that can be watched again and again like a good piece of artwork. It is a film-makers film, showing how seemingly simple elements, with a lot of careful thought and creativity can produce amazing results. Highly recommended.a 'Nice' Western - Nic_Insect
I liked this film for several reasons. The cinematographer also did Easy Rider, Mccabe and Mrs. Miller and many other photographic gems - and he adds a wonderful visual style to the film. Matched with the somewhat abstract, complex editing style and you're given (for the most part) something you can really enjoy looking at. The opening sequence in particular is utterly amazing. The rest of the film - acting, storyline, music - are also great, particularly the music - and it adds up to a pretty enjoyable although somehow laid back film experience. No complaints on this one.The Hired Hand - Coco
Peter Fonda has directed three movies and this is definately his best. Travelling with his drifter buddy (Oates), Harry Collins (Fonda) returns to his farm to see the wife and child he abandoned. She decides to take them on as hired hands. Outstanding combination of acting, cinematography(Vilmos Zsigmond), story and music make this a must for your ziplist.
Member Reviews
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A Film-makers Film - newdaysof
The Hired Hand is an all-but-forgotten gem starring and directed by Peter Fonda. The storyline is simple, almost too simple, but that is the genius of it because it explores the Western genre from a more subtle, human, artistic point of view.
The cinematography ...a 'Nice' Western - Nic_Insect
I liked this film for several reasons. The cinematographer also did Easy Rider, Mccabe and Mrs. Miller and many other photographic gems - and he adds a wonderful visual style to the film. Matched with the somewhat abstract, complex editing style and you're ...The Hired Hand - Coco
Peter Fonda has directed three movies and this is definately his best. Travelling with his drifter buddy (Oates), Harry Collins (Fonda) returns to his farm to see the wife and child he abandoned. She decides to take them on as hired hands. Outstanding combination ...