- The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
- The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
- The Missouri Breaks (1976)
- The Long Riders (1980)
- The Quick and the Dead (1995)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
- The Duel (2016)
- The Sisters Brothers (2018)
- The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)
- The Hateful Eight (2015)
The wild west is often portrayed as a land of rugged individualism and straightforward justice, but beneath the surface lies a world ripe with manipulation and deceit. This curated collection of ten western films delves into the art of manipulation, showcasing characters who use their wits and cunning to navigate the treacherous landscapes of the frontier. These films not only entertain but also offer a unique perspective on the complexities of human nature, making them a valuable watch for those intrigued by psychological depth and strategic gameplay in the context of the American West.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: This classic western features Senator Ransom Stoddard, who manipulates the truth about the death of the notorious outlaw Liberty Valance to protect the legacy of his friend Tom Doniphon, showcasing how manipulation can shape history.
Fact: The film was one of the last westerns directed by John Ford and was shot in black and white to emphasize the stark moral contrasts.
Watch Now
The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: Cable Hogue, after being left to die in the desert, finds water and uses it to manipulate his way to wealth and revenge, demonstrating how resourcefulness can be a form of manipulation.
Fact: This film was Sam Peckinpah's only comedy and features a unique blend of humor and pathos.
Watch Now
The Missouri Breaks (1976)
Description: A tale of a cattle rustler and a hired gun, where both characters engage in a psychological battle of wits, showcasing manipulation in the form of strategic planning and deception.
Fact: This was one of the last films for both Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson, who had previously worked together in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."
Watch Now
The Long Riders (1980)
Description: The film focuses on the James-Younger Gang, with real-life brothers playing the outlaws, showing how Jesse James manipulates his gang members for loyalty and control.
Fact: The film features actual brothers playing the roles of the James-Younger Gang members, adding authenticity to the portrayal of familial bonds and manipulation.
Watch Now
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
Description: In this film, Ellen, a mysterious gunslinger, enters a quick-draw contest to exact revenge, using her skills and manipulation to outwit her opponents.
Fact: The film was directed by Sam Raimi, known for his work on the "Evil Dead" series, bringing his unique visual style to the western genre.
Watch Now
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: A deep dive into the relationship between Jesse James and Robert Ford, where Ford's manipulation of his own image and Jesse's trust leads to the infamous assassination.
Fact: The film was critically acclaimed for its cinematography and the performances of Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck.
Watch Now
The Duel (2016)
Description: A Texas Ranger is sent to investigate a town's leader, revealing layers of manipulation and deceit as he uncovers the truth behind the town's facade.
Fact: The film stars Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth, offering a modern take on the classic western narrative.
Watch Now
The Sisters Brothers (2018)
Description: This film follows two brothers, hired killers, who navigate through the gold rush era, using manipulation to survive and achieve their goals.
Fact: The film is based on the novel by Patrick deWitt and features a blend of dark comedy and western elements.
Watch Now
The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)
Description: This film portrays the James-Younger Gang's attempt to rob the First National Bank of Northfield, highlighting how Jesse James uses manipulation to keep his gang together and plan their heists.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Northfield, Minnesota, where the actual raid took place.
30 Days Free
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Description: In this Quentin Tarantino film, a group of strangers are forced to share a cabin during a blizzard, where manipulation and deceit are used to uncover each other's true intentions.
Fact: The film was originally intended as a sequel to "Django Unchained" but evolved into its own story.
30 Days Free
