The Missouri Breaks
In their only cinematic pairing, Oscar-winning legends Marlon Brando (1972: Best Actor, The Godfather) and Jack Nicholson (1975: Best Actor, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) are a "dynamic star combo" (Leonard Maltin) who set the screens ablaze in this intense and startlingly realistic western classic from director Arthur Penn (Little Big Man). Montana Badlands rancher David Brazton (John McLiam) is a self-made man. Through years of tireless effort and determination, he has transformed his vast and rugged land into a thriving, prosperous empire. So when his livestock, his fortune - and even his family - are threatened by a ruthless horse thief (Nicholson), Braxton takes matters into his own hands. Hiring a sadistic "regulator" (Brando) to track down the outlaw, Braxton intends to liberate the territory from crime...but what he initiates instead is a complex series of events that result in brutality and savagery far beyond anything he ever thought possible. Co-starring Randy Quaid and Harry Dean Stanton, scripted by Thomas McGuane and shot throughout majestic Montana, The Missouri Breaks is every bit as powerful and affecting as its dynamic leading men.
Member Reviews
What a Waste ! - Gyaan
Yes , I have to admit it - I was disappointed !
A waste of so much talented movie-makers . Brando really was a great one, but here he already shows the decline towards what would become later on some pitiful non-performances . Is it the lack of a good script - was he left alone by the director - were they counting on his famous name ? Maybe a bit of all ... the result is a "regulator" - a cold-blooded, cynical killer with a series of strange behaviors. He surely differs from the long-known-western-tradition-villain and I understand that people like this character since it really pops out of the usual performances .
But what a poor way of putting together some questionable and strange elements in order to build a person ! - Where is the intensity with which Brando filled a screen before ? - Where are the small gestures and facial reactions that say more than 100 words ?
What's left over is a once great actor who tries to copy himself without giving his character any deepness , any credibility.
Nicholson , his counter part , delivers a solid , well built performance that is coherent throughout the movie . But he too stays behind his possibilities as does the director , Arthur Penn . This is the same that directed "Little Big Man "!! - Now THAT is one of my all-favorite westerns !
On the other side there are some truly captivating scenes and moments which held me stuck to the movie til the end - hoping that something useful and extraordinary might come out - unfortunately it never came .
It is a non-conforming western and as such worth a look . If you want to see one of your favorite actors ( which was a point for me to rent this movie) - then go for it..
If you want to experience an outstanding film made by outstanding makers - stay away . Not even the camera work is more than average - as if nobody really believed in the project .surprising - BogieMan
I had heard little about this movie but rented it because I love Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando. What a pleasent surprise, It was very good, and just became one of my favorite westerns. The story is nothing new but the characters are refreshingly real and very well acted. I will never forget Brando's crazy character.Really loved this movie - Poet
The build was slow in this one, but, bit by bit, this awesome movie really hooked me. By the time the ending came, I was really into it. The atmosphere, the directing, the acting; everything was meshing to serve a great flick!
This movie has to be seen to be believed. Brando really does take weird to a whole new level in this one, with awesome results.
As for Nicholson, well it's Jack. Albeit he's a little more subdued in this one, so as to fit his character, but it's Jack nonetheless.
Nicholson and Brando really worked well off each other. The bathtub scene is particularly memorable.
Jack also had some great dialogue with Kathleen Lloyd. Great lines served by great actors.
Highly recommended. I want to watch it again myself.
Member Reviews
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What a Waste ! - Gyaan
Yes , I have to admit it - I was disappointed !
A waste of so much talented movie-makers . Brando really was a great one, but here he already shows the decline towards what would become later on some pitiful non-performances . Is it the lack of a good script ...surprising - BogieMan
I had heard little about this movie but rented it because I love Jack Nicholson and Marlon Brando. What a pleasent surprise, It was very good, and just became one of my favorite westerns. The story is nothing new but the characters are refreshingly real and ...Really loved this movie - Poet
The build was slow in this one, but, bit by bit, this awesome movie really hooked me. By the time the ending came, I was really into it. The atmosphere, the directing, the acting; everything was meshing to serve a great flick!
This movie has to be seen ...