Shoot the Sun Down

Shoot the Sun Down is a 1978 film set in the 1830s in Mexico during the time of the Texan war of Independence. The film, directed by David Leeds, features an ensemble cast including familiar faces such as Margot Kidder, Geoffrey Lewis, and Christopher Walken. This movie draws elements from various genres such as adventure, drama, and western.

The story essentially revolves around four disparate fugitives, a group of outsiders who find themselves involuntarily united in their quest for freedom. Christopher Walken plays the character of Mr. Rainbow, a quirky and enigmatic troubadour. He is a Civil War veteran with a lighter than usual touch for a sharphooter, offering a nuanced performance by employing subtle gestures and mannerisms that hint towards a deeply reserved and complex persona underneath the surface.

Two of the other escapees include Scalphunter, a rugged and weather-beaten trapper played by Geoffrey Lewis, and the ragged and jejune character known as the Kid, portrayed effectively by A. Martinez. Scalphunter is a gritty survivalist, whose skills and wit become invaluable to their success - or so it seems from the onset. The Kid, on the other hand, enters in the company of Scalphunter, and appears to be a seemingly naive and impressionable youth.

Rounding off this quartet is an escaped female slave, portrayed by Margot Kidder. Her character is introduced as the Woman of the Roses. She represents an element of beauty and fraught strength among the dirt-grimed and tension-fraught men, possessing a mutinous spirit and a desire for freedom that aligns with the overarching theme of the film. Her subtle performance draws viewers into the narrative as we see her dealing with her plight in this inhospitable world.

The plot of Shoot the Sun Down revolves around these four unlikely allies and their journey across the untamed wilderness of the American Southwest. They are in search of a fortune in pure gold, said to be hidden in the ghost ship of the desert, a Spanish Galleon lost hundreds of years ago. The ghost ship is believed to be filled with Aztec gold and serves as the holy grail which our protagonists seek out amidst a landscape teeming with hostile elements.

The lush cinematography perfectly complements the narrative as it captures the desolate beauty of the landscape, taking the audience on a sensory journey through arid deserts and daunting mountains. This cinematic tool subtly amplifies the intensity of the characters’ longing for liberation. The languid pace of the film and its focus on the characters and their internal struggles rather than large-scale, dramatic confrontations further set it apart from typical Westerns, the film is a striking blend of character study and adventure.

The screenplay provides all four characters with their own arcs and complications. The narrative gradually reveals their backstories, creating a deeper dimension to their personas as the film progresses. Overall, Shoot the Sun Down isn't just another tale of the American West, but a poetic journey focused on human resilience and desire for salvation.

In terms of performances, the cast of Shoot the Sun Down undoubtedly delivers a compelling collection of character interpretations. Christopher Walken's enigmatic and understated performance as Mr. Rainbow, Geoffrey Lewis's rugged portrayal of Scalphunter, A. Martinez's persuasive depiction of the Kid and Margot Kidder's impressive resilience as the Woman of the Roses, are all noteworthy.

Notwithstanding its less-than-favorable initial reception, in recent years, Shoot the Sun Down has received recognition for its unique execution, its melding of various genres, and the performances of its lead actors. It offers viewers an intriguing mix of Western adventure and introspective historical drama.

In conclusion, Shoot the Sun Down exhibits an off-beat portrayal of the classic quest for treasure. Its unique blend of Western and adventure genres, accented by commendable performances from a remarkable cast, makes the film a remarkable entry in the cinematic history of the late 70s. For fans of Christopher Walken, Margot Kidder, and Geoffrey Lewis, the movie offers one of their unique performances. For viewers who love history, suspense, and character-driven dramas, Shoot the Sun Down serves as an immersive and visually enticing viewing experience.