The Jack Bull

Unlike many of my favorite movies, will only be able to see this one about every 5 years. Why? It's a terrific movie but, geez, it's gut-wrenchingly sad. It's about a young idealistic horse breeder [Myrl Redding played by John Cusack] who seeks justice when two of his prized stallions are abused and ruined by an imperious land baron with whom he has political and ideological differences. When the local legal system fails him he decides to rely on his inborn human rights and natural law to procure justice. This movie is basically a reminder of the innumerous flaws inherent in the human condition and in human behavior especially with regard to the attainment of objective truth from which justice emanates. However, obtaining the truth is easier said than done here as special interests, self interests, inertia, conformity, avarice and egoism serve to obscure it. The 'don't stir the pot' & 'don't burn your bridges' principles are in full force here as local law officials just can't seem to help this guy. Redding's cheesy, weak lawyer is a spineless dud. The local judge and the land-baron tyrant, Ballard [played deliciously well by veteran L.Q. Jones], are pals. The local Sheriff is a lying dog. Redding's wife, Cora---played endearingly by Miranda Otto in a GREAT though short-lived performance---tries to aid her impulsive spouse by getting his OK to travel to the soon-to-be State capitol of Cheyanne to ask the State attorney general for help. Her efforts are fruitless and, in a paralyzing moment for the viewer, Myrl's "miracle" is tragically run over by a runaway stagecoach. This is a riveting scene that is notable for the detached, insouciant fashion that townsfolk [including the attorney general who shows up] deal with the tragedy, going about their business without any sense of urgency as the broken woman lay dying. Tough to take scene when Redding's right-hand man and close friend Woody [played by vet John McGinley of PLATOON fame], who was Cora's escort and was responsible for her well-being, returns to the farm with her body. Redding blames himself and all hell breaks loose thereafter as he mounts his relentless 'no killing/no blood spilling' campaign for justice. He rounds up local townfolk and drifters to support him but the bottom line is he's gotta pay them for their 'courage' and allegiance. Redding proceeds to burn Ballard into exodus and burn down the property of anyone who protects or conceals him. A couple of problems prop up, however, as two people get killed and Redding gets the blame. He is now an accused murderer---public support now beginning to wane as he is arrested and sent to trial. Fine performances by Scott Wilson [IN COLD BLOOD & IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT, both 1967] as the bumbling, self-serving Governor of Wyoming, John Savage [DEER HUNTER, 1978] as Ballard's annoyingly sadistic hand, and a superbly effective performance by Glenn Morshower who has a great curt response to Redding's question regarding the alternative to refusing the State's offer of amnesty. John Goodman, though, steals the show late in the film as the no-nonsense, fact-finding and sympathetic judge who sets everybody straight. GREAT performance by Fred Flintstone, here. Fueled by the lies of corrupt witnesses a Jury finds Redding guilty [unjustly] of murder and sentenced to hang. The hanging scenario is stark, poignant and plain scary. Notably, Redding displays little emotion as he matter-of-factly gives his son last instructions. No fear here as his life probably ended long before when his cherished and adored wife was killed. The often wooden Cusack here gives an outstanding performance---his countenance alone bespeaking his tenacity, his innate sense of justice, his conviction. The scene where his body is removed from the gallows was haunting and well done. Kudos here to a wonderful screenplay, awe-inspiring cinematography---probably among the best in ANY Western [sorry John Ford] and great acting by all involved. This is a GREAT 'sleeper' Western, a classic in my book. You will be glued to your seat.

This western was a complete surprise. I'm not a huge John Cusack fan, he's a good actor and I do enjoy some of his movies, but never thought of him as a 'westerner/cowboy' person in a movie. John's performance is near perfect. L.Q. Jones (Dakota in Lone Wolf McQuade, Sims in Red River) as well as John Goodman step up and give excellent performances. Visually the movie is stunning with the landscapes, realistic street and interior scenes, and the way the director used lighting to enhance the moment. The story remimds me of some of Louis L'amour books but handles a topic that's not real easy to do without being sappy. Myrl Redding(Cusack) is a horse breeder with deeply entrenched 'right and just values'. When the local 'power guy' Henry Ballard (L.Q. Jones), buys so much of the land then puts up a toll 'gate' the story begins. Redding is taking a string of horses to market. Two of which( 2 beautiful Black stallions) are already sold to be delivered. Redding doesn't have the $10 toll so, Ballard says he can leave the two Blacks there as 'security' until he comes back through with the money from sale. Redding reluctantly agrees and leaves one of his hands to watch over them. By the time Redding returns, the 2 Blacks have been worked, mistreated, beaten and in really bad shape. The hand was beaten and run off. Redding vows that Ballard will make it right by restoring the horses to health and pay his hand $50. Ballard refuses of course. The plot instensifies with the typical 'Town Judge' in Ballard's pocket and the people of town afraid to do anything against the most powerful man in the area. The movie takes several predictable as well as undpredictable turns as the tension and story develop. John Goodman plays his part of Judge in Cheyenne to perfection. He's both honest and just as well as understanding politics of a town trying to become a capitol and wyoming trying to become a state. Very few movies warrant watching again and again for the story, acting, and quality. The Jack Bull definitely does and will become a permanent part of my Western DVD's along with some of John Wayne's, Clint Eastwood, Tom Selleck. If you're a western fan, this is a must have right along with Crossfire Trail, Unforgiven, The Good the Bad the Ugly, Tombstone, Silverado, and Hang em High to name a few.

I had rented this HBO movie a few years ago and my husband and I loved it. I have been a huge fan of John and Joan Cusack for many years, thus the reason for buying this movie. I recently learned some facts about their dad, Dick. I have seen Dick in only one hugely funny acting role in the movie, "Return to Me", but was surprised to learn from the special features included in this DVD that the story and screenplay are proof of Dick's talents as a writer. John Badham did a great turn, as usual, as director. The decision to star John Cusack in this movie was brilliant! John's performance is right on target in this classic Western. The film is cast with an array of wonderful performers, such as, L.Q. Jones, John McGinley, John Goodman, Miranda Otto, and Scott Wilson, as well as many others. We quickly learn that Myrl Redding is indeed a "Jack Bull" because of his stubborn tenacity, inner strength, and pride. He is also a good and honest man to the bone. As he seeks "justice", many people and the law fail him. He never gives up and is determined to get the justice due him! Living in a fallen world, we all must come to realize that justice does not always come to us and, in dealing fairly, we do not always receive fairness. The challenge is to remain true, fair, and just toward others without becoming bitter. The tragic ending is painful to watch, as Redding tells his son to always stand up for himself, but to do it better. This is not a typical Western, but is a wonderful character-driven tale that illuminates this good man and his struggle to do and be right in the days just before Wyoming wins statehood. This DVD is definitely worth owning to watch again and again.

The Jack Bull di John Badham - USA 1999 (Finalmente doppiato anche in italiano..-dopo 15 anni dalla sua uscita).Un film bellissimo e terribile, molto americano,asciutto e essenziale. Il senso di giustizia del protagonista è universale, ma la strada perseguita per ottenerla e il prezzo finale da pagare sono di una logica crudele,seppure impeccabile: tutti combatterebbero per farsi giustizia, ma quanti accetterebbero con giustizia anche la propria morte?Il finale lascia senza fiato. E' un film per capire le radici profonde degli USA, i loro valori e tradizioni sulla libertà e la giustizia. Bellissima e chiara frase del protagonista prima di salire al patibolo:"...ho agito obbedendo ad una legge non scritta,una legge che non ho inventato io,ma che esisteva ancor prima che nascessi".Finale terribile,ma dal profondo significato morale,etico e umano.Come il solito,l'enorme John Goodman ruba la scena a tutti.

What fantastic value DVD this is. Hard to believe this was a TV movie - kudos to HBO, once again. This is an un-romanticised view of the West - telling it like it was. A man of integrity might get justice in one way, but it will cost him dearly in another. From photography in washed out colours, to the slow burn build of events that means guns don't actually get used until late in the movie, this is set out to be both realistic and unflinching. This asks the question - Just what is the value of going vigilante? What is the real cost? Is getting the justice you ask for worth any price? And the wonderful (and certainly non -Hollywood) thing is, you are left to make up your own mind, there are no easy answers. John Cusack is just terrific here - you might find it a stretch to see him in a Western, but he is utterly credible in a tough role. Miranda Otto as his wife is perfect casting, and in fact the whole supporting cast is spot on - except maybe some of the chief decision makers of the territory who are somewhat two dimensional. Enjoy John C. McGinley (Perry from `Scrubs') in a minor role, and John Goodman in a pivotal role - albeit only in the last third of the movie. Music by Lennie Niehaus is similar but less minimalist than his score to Unforgiven, and adds in a wonderful way to the poignancy of the movie, along with some spectacular landscapes which crop up from time to time. I'm sure Dick Cusacks (john's dad) would be proud of the end result of his script, produced by his son. Don't be put off by the fact this is a TV movie - it certainly rises way beyond its genesis to be something of a classic, born from the mould of `Unforgiven'.

Ich habe diesen Film für meine Kursoberstufe gekauft, die den Michael Kohlhaas als Abiturlektüre lesen "musste", um zu zeigen, dass die Handlung mit ihrer Problematik auf viele Situationen anwendbar ist. Der Film ist sehr gut gemacht und ausgezeichnet gespielt, und auch wenn einiges verändert wurde, ist der Plot gut wiederzuerkennen. Eine Bereicherung für den für Jugendliche etwas schalen Unterrichtsstoff!

It was a good movie.

Without a doubt this Film rates along with the best in my collection.I was attracted to it by other reviews and I was not disappointed.The entire Film from start to finish kept me glued to the Screen. MYRL Redding is a Man who is Honest and Trustworthy who Loves his Family and Friends and treats his Workhands with respect, when another Land owner Henry Ballard demands a Toll to cross his Land Redding having no Money until he sells his Horses agrees to leave 2 Horses with him until he returns,upon his return 2 Weeks later he discovers Ballard allowed the Horses to be ill-treated and abused to such a degree that they were unable to walk and were badly marked,enraged by this he gives Ballard 2 Weeks to return the Horses in the condition he received them.Ballard refuses... Myrl makes a complaint to the Local Judge who is in Ballards Pocket and refuses to do anything which leaves Myrl with no choice but to take the Law into his own Hands {but within the Law} and along with other Land owners set out to Ballards Home only for Ballard to escape....Chasing him across Country Ballard has Friends who do everything to hinder Myrl and in the process 2 people are shot {which add a twist to the Films end}. When Myrl eventually catches up with Ballard you think its all over but its only then the stench of corruption...lies... deceit and perjury spews across the Screen and Justice while carried out honestly by John Goodman the Ending.......well I wont spoil it by telling you....except to go out and purchase this DVD....you wont be sorry.