Tombstone, Val Kilmer Steals the Show of the OK Corral Expanded. Own This DVD!!.

I added Tombstone to my collection of iPod Movies a couple of months ago. I never saw it on the big screen and I suppose that was my loss.

Though I have yet to appreciate the full open shots of the wild west it was the acting and storyline that continues to hold my attention. I have watched the film many, many times since I downloaded it.

The Story

This is the story of Wyatt Earp and his brothers Virgil and Morgan as they travel with their wives to Tombstone to seek there fortune. It's there that they meet old acquaintance Doc Holiday. Early on in the film we are witness to the Gunfight at the OK Corral in yet another version of this battle. This film goes deeper into the relationship of all the characters on the two sides of that conflict. It seems the antagonists, including Ike and Billy Clanton, are part of the gang called the Cowboys who are described as the first examples of organized crime in the land. They are easily recognized by the red sashes they wear.

The film also gives attention to Wyatt and his attraction to stage actor Josephine Marcus played by New York born Dana Delany. Their restrained relationship made for an interesting romantic story.

The Cast

Wyatt played by Kurt Russell was an interesting man with depth given to the character. He was a different kind of fellow that followed his own drum. I liked the understated way he brought that role to life.

The circle of brothers was completed with Sam Elliott sporting his deep unmistakable voice as a character with compassion to the towns people along with younger brother Morgan who was forgettable played by Bill Paxton.

It was Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday the dentist turned gambler/gunman who goes to Tombstone's dryer weather to help relieve his Tuberculosis that constantly draws attention and delivers lines that I will continue to remember for many years to come.

The rest of the cast was good with some excellent work from Powers Boothe as Curly Bill Brocius and Michael Biehn as Johnny Ringo. A short but memorable scene with Billy Bob Thornton as bully faro dealer Johnny Tyler enhanced Wyatt's reputation and added some fun to the film.

It was also good to hear old timer to westerns Robert Mitchum opening narration and see Charlton Heston do a cameo role though I almost missed him.

Direction and More

I give director George P. Cosmatos much credit for drawing the most out of great lines written by Kevin Jarre. It was the inflection brought out by the actors that made this film as interesting as it was.

This film's dialog was compelling to follow listening to the many references to God and the devil along with bible references. The exchange in Latin between with Johnny Ringo and the sharp-tongued Doc Holiday was one such example.

Another point I'd like to mention is that though the story flows well there are many particular scenes that grabbed me and like to rewatch for the pleasure of the acting or analyzing the scene further.

Though the film may not be all fact,(there is information that we simply do not have written and oral history off) it was believable and quite entertaining.

The writer and director's take on the gun fight at the OK corral and the follow-up made for a compelling film. This is a movie I have enjoyed a number of times and continue to do so each time I watch it. Buy this DVD!!!


This is a contribution to Sleeper's Lean-n-mean VI and to kamel622's EpiWriMo Write-Off