Alvarez Kelly

Alvarez Kelly is a 1966 western war film set during the latter years of the American Civil War. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, the film features unforgettable performances from revered actors William Holden and Richard Widmark, with significant support from Janice Rule. It's a story of cunning, loyalty, and survival during one of America's most volatile periods. Alvarez Kelly incorporates the struggle of war with a highly charged Western environment, combined with a classic storyline filled with various shades of moral ambiguity.

The storyline centres around the character of Alvarez Kelly (played by William Holden), an astute Mexican-Irish cattle herder. Despite the civil unrest surrounding him, Kelly remains indifferent to the War's polarizing politics. His only concern is conducting his business and ensuring his survival. However, the war refuses to let him remain a mere observer.

In a clever twist on the war genre, the narrative successfully converges the Western genre's elements, giving it a fresh nuance compare to other war films of that era. Alvarez Kelly does not focus on the Battlefields typically associated with war movies but chooses to spotlight the struggles at the borders of these battles, reflecting how the war did not leave any facet of life untouched.

Kelly is contracted to deliver a herd of cattle to the Union Army in Richmond, attracting the attention of Confederate Colonel Tom Rossiter (Richard Widmark). Rossiter, an ex-teacher-turned soldier, recognises that his troops are on the brink of starvation and is desperate to hijack the cattle to feed his men. Accordingly, he hatches a daring plan to kidnap Kelly and force him to reroute the cattle to the confederate side.

Colonel Rossiter is portrayed brilliantly by Widmark, who manages to capture the desperation and defiance of a man forced into a corner by the calamities of war. In direct contrast to Kelly's somewhat cynical outlook, Rossiter carries the weight of his men's lives, making Rossiter a captivating and morally complex character viewers can root for.

This tense standoff between Kelly and Rossiter forms the crux of Alvarez Kelly. The film becomes a thrilling game of wits, strewn with power plays, threats, and manipulations. All the while, the looming shadow of the civil war threatening to consume them intensifies the sense of urgency and desperation.

William Holden brings a magnetic presence to his character. His portrayal of Alvarez Kelly is skilfully balanced, with just the right mix of flippant charm and strategic cunning. With his neutral, profit-oriented ethos, he’s quite an unusual protagonist, and character development throughout the movie is one of the film's major highlights.

Janice Rule adds a feminine touch to the largely male-dominated narrative as Charity Warwick, the niece of a wealthy Southern plantation owner. Her character brings a further layer of intrigue and emotional complexity to the narrative.

Boasting a screenplay written by Franklin Coen and Elliott Arnold, Alvarez Kelly delivers an engaging story, focused not on the action of the war itself but on the psychological battle between its main characters. Coupled with the scenic locations and an impressive cattle drive sequence, the film beautifully merges its war and western elements.

Moreover, the movie offers a wealthy canvas of supporting roles that infuse the narrative with subtle shades of humour, courage, and even treachery, enriching the plot's overall intricacy.

The cinematography by Joseph MacDonald is laudable, capturing the sweeping vistas in all their rustic glory while also maintaining a mood of impending menace. The background score by Johnny Green complements the visuals and adds to the overall gritty atmosphere.

In conclusion, Alvarez Kelly stands out for its unique blend of genres and memorable character portrayals. It explores the themes of survival, loyalty, and personal ethics amidst war, wrapped in the classic envelope of a western. It delivers not just as a war film or a western, but a compelling story of human resilience and ingenuity. The combination of a compelling narrative, excellent performances, and breathtaking cinematography makes Alvarez Kelly a must-watch movie for fans of both genres.