For the true Western genre fans out there, it’s not hard to see that Pale Rider is, essentially, an updated and grittier version of 1953’s Shane, with a few twists thrown in to not make it a complete rip-off. But Eastwood also has that stylistic approach that many have loved over the years, and his ability to weave in the popular “Man with No Name” type of character works exceptionally well. This isn’t as great as Unforgiven, which would come years later, but it is a solidly crafted effort from the legendary actor and filmmaker.
Buy Pale Rider 4K UHDEastwood plays a character known only as Preacher. He arrives into a small town that was just ransacked by a greedy mining company led by Coy LaHood (Richard Dysart). His arrival comes shortly after a prayer by Megan (Sydney Penny), who is being raised by single mother Sarah (Carrie Snodgress) and might have a future stepfather in Hull Barrett (Michael Moriarity). But Preacher is the man whom both Megan and Sarah seem to have their eyes on, and that conflicting relationship lingers throughout the story – only to be touched upon in select moments.
It’s the fact that Eastwood doesn’t put his whole focus on the relationships that Preacher develops with Megan and Sarah, as that would deter too much from the storyline. Preacher is a quiet, unknown man, and one who the townspeople don’t know entirely – and neither should the viewers. His relationships are fleeting, leaving one to wonder more about the mysterious man.
While the side plots are weaker in comparison to the rest of the film, and the tributes to other works such as Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns are noticeable, Eastwood’s direction is slick and hard to match. His love for the genre and the movies that made him a star are present throughout. Bruce Surtees’ cinematography is iconic in capturing the key moments that defined Eastwood’s career at the time of this movie’s release. The hat all by itself, the silhouette off in the distance, and the mystery surrounding the lead are all here. Plus the shootouts that occur throughout, including the final one, are expertly shot and will warm any western fan’s heart.
The 4K UHD for Pale Rider has a nicely polished remastering of the film, with exquisite video and audio specs. The special features last for nearly three hours, which is rare for new physical media releases. Most are from previous DVD and Blu-ray releases of the movie, but this version does come with two new features. “The Diary of Sydney Penny: Lessons from the Set” has the actress go through some behind the scenes moment of the film, and “Painting the Preacher: The Cinematography of Pale Rider” explores the work of Surtees.
Pale Rider is a solid western, even if it’s not entirely great. The appreciation for the past is certainly woven in, and the Biblical approach gives it a nice little twist as well. It also shows that even a lesser attempt by Eastwood in the genre that made him famous can be something worth seeking out.
