The Scalphunters

The Scalphunters is a captivating, yet unconventional Western film that made its compelling appearance in the world of cinema in 1968, directed by Sydney Pollack. This unforgettable movie stars the charismatic Burt Lancaster, who already had a string of quality performances to his credit, as well as Shelley Winters and Telly Savalas, who are both spellbinding in their roles. This buoyant and spirited film explores various themes of prejudice, humanity, and survival, all set against the rugged backdrop of the American Southwest in the late 19th century.

At the heart of this movie, Burt Lancaster plays Joe Bass, an engaging and rugged trapper, a man of stark simplicity but stubborn practicality who finds his sojourn rudely interrupted. Joe Bass is drawn into a complex scenario when a group of Kiowa Indians rob him of his valuable furs and, in exchange, leave him a well-kept, educated yet enslaved African named Joseph Lee, played with enough depth by Ossie Davis. This trade - one that Bass does not accept readily - sets off a chain of events that takes the viewer on an unpredictable ride through the tough and wild terrains of the Old West.

While trying to retrieve his lost furs, Joe Bass, along with Joseph, come across a gang of scalphunters led by the charmingly malicious Jim Howie, played by Telly Savalas. Howie's love interest, the headstrong and assertive Kate, is portrayed by the Oscar-winning actress Shelley Winters. Howie's crew, partly driven by their greed for the furs and the possible gains they foresee, forms the crux of the plot.

The dynamic between Joseph and Joe Bass forms the core of the narrative. The conversations and evolving relationship between them delve deeper into the prejudices and social class differences of the time. Joseph's highly literate character stands as a stark contrast against Joe Bass' unlettered roughness. Still, their survival in the face of challenges brings out a camaraderie encompassing much more than just grudging respect, it tests their beliefs, their attitudes, and their understanding of freedom in the truest sense.

The Scalphunters, with its gritty and graphic portrayal of the era, uses vivid imagery to bring the harsh and contrasting landscapes to life. The director, Sydney Pollack, adeptly manages to infuse a sense of realism into the film without losing the cinematic thrill. Despite being set in a harsh and rugged era illustrative of brute survival, the film never steers clear of its dash of much-needed humor and irony.

The performances presented throughout this film are top-notch. Burt Lancaster's performance as Joe Bass is compelling, studded with enough wit and resilience to keep the audience engaged from start to end. His interplay with Ossie Davis's educated and resilient Joseph Lee caps the performances. Shelley Winters' take on the feisty and cunning Kate and Telly Savalas' turn as the ruthless Jim Howie both add impressive dimensions to this movie.

The Scalphunters also talks about race superiority, civilization, and unadorned humanity through its vibrant characters and the situations they encounter. The concept of civilization is evocatively questioned as the scenario traverses through the Indian tribes, the scalphunters, and the educated, civilized slave whose so-called 'civilized' masters can be more brutal than the 'uncivilized' wild.

However, despite the inclusion of serious and sometimes heavy themes, the film maintains a high-paced tempo with enough action and nail-biting chase scenes that keep the audience captivated. It is indeed an excellent blend of comedy, social commentary, and the thrilling elements of a Western adventure.

In summary, The Scalphunters stands out as an unconventional Western film that ventures beyond the usual clichés of the genre. An amalgamation of drama, action, and astute socio-cultural commentary, it observes the concepts of freedom, humanity, and civilized society with humor and irony. This classic western is richly layered, delivering much more than what it initially promises, and it remains a noteworthy gem in the genre anchored by the superior performances of its stellar cast.