JEREMIAH JOHNSON

This 1972 film is something of a curiosity - a stripped-down Western starring Robert Redford and directed by Sydney Pollack. 

It is partly based on what little we know of the real-life Jeremiah Johnson, a "mountain man'', or in other words an explorer of sorts who survives by hunting and trapping.  A lot of legends have grown up about Johnson, but it's not obvious that his life story makes for a compelling drama, yet this film made money, which must say something about Redford's superstar status back in the day.

Not that Redford was first choice for the part; at one stage it was going to star Clint Eastwood, which is more obvious casting.  The director was going to be Sam Peckinpah, who no doubt would have made the most out of the more violent aspects of the Johnson legend.

Johnson got into a vendetta with Crow Indians, and legend has it that he would eat the livers of those he killed.  Needless to say we don't see Redford doing that; his Johnson is a gentle and fatalistic soul who only resorts to violence in self-defence.

One critic described this film as "moseying along" which sums it up perfectly - there is no story arc to speak of and it's all a bit episodic. But Redford is surprisingly good, and there are some entertaining supporting characters to liven things up from time to time.

And by the standards of 1972 the portrayal of Native Americans is surprisingly nuanced.

RATING: ✓ If You've Nothing Better To Do