The Western seems to have gone out of fashion in recent years, which is a shame - so it's a good job that there are people like John Hillcoat out there who are willing to deliver films like this. The Proposition is a real old school western - gritty, violent and fleshed out by sophisticated and interesting characters. Director John Hillcoat succeeds in capturing the style of the classic westerns, and the fact that this film was written by Nick Cave means that it will be no surprise that there's a trippy, hallucinogenic feel to it also. The plot focuses on an impossible situation. After capturing Charlie and Mike; two of the notorious Burns brothers, Capt. Stanley decides not to hang them both - but to give the elder of the brothers, Charlie, a proposal. He and his brother will be given a full pardon if he can bring the eldest and most notorious of the Burns brothers, Arthur, to justice in nine days. Otherwise the youngest brother, Mike, gets the hangman's noose.
One of the main reasons why The Proposition is so good is down to the fact that it's so well put together and everyone involved in the film is at their best. Guy Pearce very much looks the part in the lead role and holds the film together well. He gets great support from the likes of Ray Winstone, Danny Huston and Emily Watson. The fact that the film is brought to life by such a talented bunch of people really does it a lot of favours, as each actor ensures that the story gets across in a way that is always interesting. Many of the best westerns are violent and gritty, and this one is no different. While there aren't a great deal of gunfights and fistfights, the ones that do feature really make an impact. The film feels very realistic throughout, and this ensures that what happens is always credible and believable. It all boils down to a shocking and fittingly ambiguous climax that will generate as much thought from the audience as the film that precedes it. Overall, The Proposition is easily one of the best westerns made in recent years, and it's a damn good film in its own right too!
One of the main reasons why The Proposition is so good is down to the fact that it's so well put together and everyone involved in the film is at their best. Guy Pearce very much looks the part in the lead role and holds the film together well. He gets great support from the likes of Ray Winstone, Danny Huston and Emily Watson. The fact that the film is brought to life by such a talented bunch of people really does it a lot of favours, as each actor ensures that the story gets across in a way that is always interesting. Many of the best westerns are violent and gritty, and this one is no different. While there aren't a great deal of gunfights and fistfights, the ones that do feature really make an impact. The film feels very realistic throughout, and this ensures that what happens is always credible and believable. It all boils down to a shocking and fittingly ambiguous climax that will generate as much thought from the audience as the film that precedes it. Overall, The Proposition is easily one of the best westerns made in recent years, and it's a damn good film in its own right too!