High Plains Drifter is far more than a 'western'

[buster]

Watched today High Plains Drifter. Mystery, character study. Cowardice versus courage. Drama. Guilt. Great pacing. (A few things seem wrong because of our changing awareness, but not very much.)

The opening with the credits must be disappointing for those whose names appeared because the the slow descent of the unknown horseman as the credits rolled - all eyes are on him. One of the best openings ever, and one of the best climaxes at the end.

And a sensible romantic ending has to be avoided, but you can't know why until the final minute.

This is as close to art as a movie can get I suspect. It is not just guns and fights and good scenery. It stays within the genre, but goes beyond it in a way John Wayne never could.

Clint Eastwood directed very well. Lovely pace.

Impressive.