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Junior Bon(n)er....now there's a name that CRIES for harassment. 
Have you or haven't you watched the film and listened to the score, über Thor?
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Calling Steven J!!!
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Calling Steven J!!!
Good morning, Steven J. Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to comment on "Junior Bonner" directed by Sam Peckinpah?
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I have not seen this film in about 25 years, so my memory is sketchy, but the film is a strong character study similar in tone to MONTE WALSH, although far different eras. The music was minimal and I did not remember much of it (unlike THE BALLARD OF CABLE HOGUE, THE GETAWAY, THE WILD BUNCH, STRAW DOGS, and CROSS OF IRON, which stands out among certain visuals in each).
Do you really think it is time for a retrospective of this film?
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Calling Steven J!!!
I saw it years ago. I'm not qualified to critically comment on it until I see it again, but hell, Brother Dutch, look at the credentials on it. I'll have to get the DVD.
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I have not seen this film in about 25 years, so my memory is sketchy, but the film is a strong character study similar in tone to MONTE WALSH, although far different eras. The music was minimal and I did not remember much of it (unlike THE BALLARD OF CABLE HOGUE, THE GETAWAY, THE WILD BUNCH, STRAW DOGS, and CROSS OF IRON, which stands out among certain visuals in each).
Do you really think it is time for a retrospective of this film?
I don't know the film hence my question.
Please read this review:
Still workin' on 8 seconds......, November 16, 2002
Reviewer: Chris K. Wilson "Chris Kent"
As a big fan of film director Sam Peckinpah and actor Steve McQueen, I always thought I had seen their most substantial work. Much to my surprise, I viewed the 1972 film "Junior Bonner" for the first time recently and was stunned by its quality and depth. "Junior Bonner" is a terrific film, complete with Peckinpah's individualistic themes, McQueen's understated though electric presence, magnificient location detail, boozy saloons and elder statesmen (and women) coming to terms with a rapidly receding past.
A genre unto itself, the rodeo lifestyle was documented with surprising fervor in the early 1970s by a handful of interesting films including "Honkers," "J.W. Coop," and "When the Legends Die." Each film explored the themes of a changing civilization which embraced convention while muting individualism and personal freedom. Thus, Peckinpah and McQueen were truly in their element with "Junior Bonner."
The film covers a day in the life of Junior Bonner (McQueen), an aging rodeo star who returns to his Arizona hometown to participate in an annual rodeo competition. We are soon introduced to his family, including his estranged parents (Robert Preston and Ida Lupino) and his budding businessman brother (Joe Don Baker) looking to profit from the sale of his father's land while exploiting the frontier/cowboy persona.
"Junior Bonner" is so understated, that the viewer must read between the lines throughout its brief running time, including a fascinating dinner scene with McQueen, Lupino and Baker when they discuss the family's future. It is a moment of brilliant directing and acting.
Ironically, what is probably the least seen film of Peckinpah and McQueen's careers is also one of their best. Peckinpah has never before been so restrained, if not gentle. Known for his fierce action sequences in such films as "The Wild Bunch" and "The Getaway," Peckinpah utilizes his detailed, frenzied style during the exciting rodeo sequences. But his handling of the more intimate moments, especially those between Preston and Lupino, are some of his most gentle scenes he ever put on film. In many ways, Preston's character is just a scruffy version of Peckinpah himself - a deeply flawed but eventually loveable dreamer. It is Peckinpah opening up to the viewer for one of the few times in his career.
McQueen, likewise, plays a character very close to him as a man. The role of Junior Bonner is that of a gregarious loner, limping from the hard knocks of life, trying to quietly go about his business but discovering he can do anything but. His accent, his mannerisms and his reactions to everyday life always ring with a note of truth. It's absolutely one of his finest performances.
Perhaps the film's only fault is the rather abrupt ending which seems to come out of nowhere. It's unconventional, but then again, so were Peckinpah and McQueen. Unheralded, and relatively unknown, "Junior Bonner" is a great film ripe for discovery. Quiet, unassuming and good natured, "Junior Bonner" is a perfect display of two legendary motion picture talents (Peckinpah, McQueen) exploring themes perhaps closer to their hearts than any film they ever made.
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I do remember Ida Lupino being rather good in it, but then, wasn't she always? And of course, Peckinpah stalwart Ben Johnson was pretty good, too. I'm really interested in seeing this again now.
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Is "Junior Bonner" a 1970's version of the lost cow-boy theme from "Lonely are the Brave", "The Lusty Men", "The Misfits", my dear friends?
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Is "Junior Bonner" a 1970's version of the lost cow-boy theme from "Lonely are the Brave", "The Lusty Men", "The Misfits", my dear friends?
You can also place BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN in this genre.
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Junior Bonner is a wonderful introvert score by Fielding with its beautiful arranged songs. I also like the love theme heard late in the movie he composed for the characters of Ida Lupino and Robert Preston. (I recall hearing a similar theme in another Fielding score - perhaps the one from Killer Elite - but it's too long ago that I saw Junior Bonner to remember or compare).
Well, I'd love to see a release of this score.
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Yes, such an album would also be one of my dream releases.
Even over Shefter and Sawtell's magnum crapus?
"Fantastic Invasion of Planet Earth", indeed....
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Due to Lukas's love of Fielding's work, I believe it may be ripe for a FSM release.
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?
Who said that the Sawtell/Shefter score should be released?
Oh, I was just kidding you, bud! Should've used one of these...
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