Classic movie, one of the greatest Western movies ever made. And Clint portrays a ghost of a tortured to death sheriff in another man's body. How badass is that
Clint Eastwood as the Stranger is definitely a ghost. He has no scars from the whipping at the beginning of the movie. Plus, he moves faster then any normal human can.)
i think the reason he put hell on the sign and paionted the town red is a way of showing its his living hell and he cant be laid to rest until he has killed his murderers and and gave the town a lesson and that town is his living purgatory and thats why at the end, he just disappears. Kind of a weird theory, but i do think the disappearing is accurate.
seen it for the first time this past weekend on hbo... great movie, i was hooked right away. i didn't know what to think about the stranger in the beginning, it was strange. 🎬🐎🔫👍👍
I saw the Drifter as judgment incarnate. The town was evil to the bone. It reminds me of the story of Jericho in the old testament. Like so many cities in the Bible, Jericho was rotten. And God had pronounced judgment on them. The judgment was the army of the children of Israel. Many of it's citizens knew they were coming including Rahab the harlot. Rahab offered to help Israel as long as she would be ''spared the judgment'' the city was facing. That's how I see the Drifter. The town of Lago was rotten and the Drifter, in sort of the form of the murdered Sheriff, was there to exact judgment on them.
This movie was about making a deal with the devil. The town made a deal with the devil (Marshall Duncan). The town folk represents mankind essentially. The midget is the audience that unwittingly cheers him own… the message is this: Once you let the devil in, even if done for what’s thought of as good reason, it’s pretty damn hard to get him out. Pretty goddamn clever movie really …the townsfolk originally broke the first deal with the devil when they “killed” him. They Even thought they won so greed, lies, coverups grow, but then the devils back showing up in the town of Lago. unscrambled & you’ve got GOAL which then is painted as Hell. Aka hell on earth. The devils plan, the devils goal. You never come out winning when you deal with the devil.
Actually I look at Pale Rider as the other side of the coin. The Drifter is a dark revenant of punishment of the guilty, while the Preacher is a (comparatively) righteous revenant of protection of the innocent.
I've seen "Pale Rider" too many times to remember. It is quite clever and your comment about him, "he liked this movie (HPD) he made it twice" was spot-on. However, when I watch the ending of "Pale Rider" on youtube, they cut out Megan's line, "I LOVE YOU!" That is total BS so I'm sooo glad I have the DVD because other things might be cut out but I haven't watched the movie completely on youtube!
@@princescottygustafski5331 Then even the endings are the same. Only difference being Mordecai instead of saying I love you made the gravestone, but same sentiment. Both movies the most vulnerable character appreciates the savior the most.
What about Mordechai and his part in this, The stranger definitely treats him a skite better than he does everybody else, at the end when Mortdecai says to the stranger that "hes all done here" and his name when the stranger says to him "you know my name" The strangers voice the tone of it sounds real soft and sincere, not like most of the time spiteful and raspy. Mordecai far as transgressions besides living in the town, not a sin or unjust to be scared or cowardly, I've always thought bout his part for years now, his part stands alone far as what did it mean seems like there's a deeper meaning betweem Mordecai and Stranger. I cant quite put my finger on it, ive come to a few conclusions but none never felt like it fit, but thats what i like about some movies leaves you to ponder stuff and talk about for years
Hi Tommy, Thanks for taking the time to comment. If I remember correctly, Mordecai sheds tears at Marshal Duncan’s murder, revealing greater compassion, depth of character and sense of justice than the other townsfolk. He also passes comments to the others to let them know of his disapproval, though he is too intimidated to act on his feelings. The Stranger may well be aware of Mordecai’s thoughts and recognises his regret at events as well as the fact he did not gain by Duncan’s death, unlike the others, and so treats him differently and in a kindlier way. Just my thoughts. I totally agree about pondering - some films have that effect.
Mordecai is also just naturally afflicted. He's not exactly capable of lending a hand, and as Stuart said he seems to generally be a decent person without much cruelty. In terms of dialogue in the begining Mordecai asks the stranger "what did you say your name was again?", which implies he might have a vague recollection of him as a person.
Its because mordechai as a little person actually had an excuse not to help duncan. He was at a significant physical disadvantage. The other townspeople had no excuses.
Yes sir, this is a movie you can comment on and think about forever. If I'm not mistaken, Mordechai shoots one of the bad guys (not the gang but a townsperson in kahoots) at the end as he's about to shoot the Stranger. That might have contributed to the warmth between them but you're right it doesn't fully answer the question. Maybe as others pointed out, because out of all the people in the town, the Stranger considers him innocent, because Mordechai was not able to stand up to even one person in that cowardly town, but then found the courage to participate in the fight against the brutal bad guys. There's also a woman who the Stranger is kind to and respectful of, and you can see in the flashback that she is the only person trying to stop what was happening, she and the marshal might have been lovers or she loved the marshal.
A very good analysis. It would be good to point that the stranger demanded the entire town be painted in red, "especially the church." We also hear time and time again that the stranger "has us at each other's throats." This is society's end when it is clothed in sham religion, subjective morality, and lacking the courage and selflessness to stand for right.
Thank you. Indeed, there is a price to pay when individuals put their own needs and ambitions above fairness and justice for all - conflict is inevitable in such circumstances. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Great analysis, I think you got one thing wrong though. He wasn’t the Marshall come back from the dead (logic: looks totally different and probably has a complete different personality to him). He was another person/being...the grim reaper/angel of death/ or as far as the devil himself. Love this film!
Looks were different so as to not give his cover away. A ghost of a Marshal who was whipped to death wouldn't sure be the same lol...He was vengeful.....It's the Ghost of Jim Duncan exactly how he says to Mordecai in the end that he knows who the drifter and that's because he's the Marshal. No way death or any devil could have nightmares like The Drifter did on what happened on the night of his death. It's Jim's Ghost 105%
You know it’s his ghost because when he first walks into town someone cracks a whip and he reacts even though he walked through an entire town without batting an eye.
I have a theory about the ghost thing I think he was a ghost that took possession of a human body I mean a troubled soul could just haunt people I guess but if a troubled soul wanted to exact revenge in the physical world it would possess a human body
i think the reason he put hell on the sign and paionted the town red is a way of showing its his living hell and he cant be laid to rest until he has killed his murderers and and gave the town a lesson and that town is his living purgatory and thats why at the end, he just disappears. Kind of a weird theory, but i do think the disappearing is accurate.
Great analysis. I just have to say that I think his killing of the 3 men at the beginning is planned by the stranger. He pretends to be someone passing through town who just stopped at the saloon for a bottle and a "peaceful hour to drink it in", and it seems that he inadvertently attracted the attention of these 3 ruffians and is then forced to shoot them all dead after they follow him out of the bar and "trap" him in the barbershop. But in reality, the stranger's goal was to lure them into a situation where he could kill them and it would be just. Because the stranger HAS to kill them. His plan doesn't work if they're around.
Thank you and I totally agree with your thoughts on the three men at the start of the film. I suppose the stranger knew they would react in that way to his presence - that was their job, and part of why he’s there. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
@@fernie150 yes, and he deliberately antagonizes them. He doesn't acknowledge them as he enters the bar, and he doesn't answer them when they address him, except to threaten them when they ask if he think's he's "quick enough". Then he casually saunters out of the bar and goes across the street for a shave as if nothing happened. All that very carefully done.
its a metaphor on money and power! town represents the world! stranger represents someone with ancestral power and money! he does what he wants! and bends everyone and everything at his will, the rules go about the window for such individuals! and he addresses positions of power as he pleases! the world is run this way! everyone is afraid and a puppet willing to give their freedom...
watched it for the first time tonight and I was confused by how much of a comical asshole eastwood was to the towns folks despite them being not so great people. I did enjoy the twist of him being a spirit of vengeance, however. I do find the rape scene problematic though and unjustifiable
I actually would have sided with the town for killing him if they would have done it more humanely. Whipping him to death was just sadistic. But ratting them out to the government is pretty fucked up. both sides are guilty imo.
Classic movie, one of the greatest Western movies ever made. And Clint portrays a ghost of a tortured to death sheriff in another man's body. How badass is that
wait reallly?
@@Nile8765 Yep he's a Ghost
He's sorta like an avenging angel
Angel ? Devil more like - it’s revenge after all !
@@serenityinside1 nah he brings the outlaws to hell for judgement. Divine retribution
Great review and a big relief to find others who get it that he was a ghost, as in Pale rider. Cheers
It's so surprising at the number of people who don't understand this movie and who the stranger actually was.
Clint Eastwood as the Stranger is definitely a ghost. He has no scars from the whipping at the beginning of the movie. Plus, he moves faster then any normal human can.)
i think the reason he put hell on the sign and paionted the town red is a way of showing its his living hell and he cant be laid to rest until he has killed his murderers and and gave the town a lesson and that town is his living purgatory and thats why at the end, he just disappears. Kind of a weird theory, but i do think the disappearing is accurate.
@@Nile8765 or it's his blood protecting the town, metaphorically
Plus he's able to hang the guy with a bullwhip from the roof which isn't physically possible
@@Nile8765 yoooo, this is really fukin good, especially since Sarah told the stranger that Duncan's spirit is trapped, for his grave remains unmarked
"What did you say your name was again?" Asked Mordakie, "I didn't." Replied Clint.
That's the most classic line in western history
seen it for the first time this past weekend on hbo... great movie, i was hooked right away. i didn't know what to think about the stranger in the beginning, it was strange. 🎬🐎🔫👍👍
Great recap and commentary including the responses in the comments. Appreciate it. My first time watching today and I loved it.
Thank you - you're very kind. It's a film you can go back to time and time again.
The Stranger is an avenging angel.
I saw the Drifter as judgment incarnate. The town was evil to the bone. It reminds me of the story of Jericho in the old testament. Like so many cities in the Bible, Jericho was rotten. And God had pronounced judgment on them. The judgment was the army of the children of Israel. Many of it's citizens knew they were coming including Rahab the harlot. Rahab offered to help Israel as long as she would be ''spared the judgment'' the city was facing. That's how I see the Drifter. The town of Lago was rotten and the Drifter, in sort of the form of the murdered Sheriff, was there to exact judgment on them.
I love this movie. I love The Stranger in this movie as well. Definitely other-worldly.
This movie was about making a deal with the devil. The town made a deal with the devil (Marshall Duncan). The town folk represents mankind essentially. The midget is the audience that unwittingly cheers him own… the message is this: Once you let the devil in, even if done for what’s thought of as good reason, it’s pretty damn hard to get him out.
Pretty goddamn clever movie really …the townsfolk originally broke the first deal with the devil when they “killed” him. They Even thought they won so greed, lies, coverups grow, but then the devils back showing up in the town of Lago. unscrambled & you’ve got GOAL which then is painted as Hell. Aka hell on earth. The devils plan, the devils goal. You never come out winning when you deal with the devil.
Amazing, insightful and well prepared video. I liked it very much.
You're very kind. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
It's going to be a mornful day when Clint goes home.
I think he liked this movie so much he made it twice, the second time calling it Pale Rider.
Actually I look at Pale Rider as the other side of the coin. The Drifter is a dark revenant of punishment of the guilty, while the Preacher is a (comparatively) righteous revenant of protection of the innocent.
@@JTS927 Gotta agree
Isn't Pale Rider kind of a remake of Shane?
I've seen "Pale Rider" too many times to remember. It is quite clever and your comment about him, "he liked this movie (HPD) he made it twice" was spot-on. However, when I watch the ending of "Pale Rider" on youtube, they cut out Megan's line, "I LOVE YOU!" That is total BS so I'm sooo glad I have the DVD because other things might be cut out but I haven't watched the movie completely on youtube!
@@princescottygustafski5331 Then even the endings are the same. Only difference being Mordecai instead of saying I love you made the gravestone, but same sentiment. Both movies the most vulnerable character appreciates the savior the most.
Brilliant analytics.. thanks for posting this .
The stranger at the end in my book basically goes back to hell as he's a vengeful ghost.
very sound analysis i appreciate u
What about Mordechai and his part in this, The stranger definitely treats him a skite better than he does everybody else, at the end when Mortdecai says to the stranger that "hes all done here" and his name when the stranger says to him "you know my name" The strangers voice the tone of it sounds real soft and sincere, not like most of the time spiteful and raspy. Mordecai far as transgressions besides living in the town, not a sin or unjust to be scared or cowardly, I've always thought bout his part for years now, his part stands alone far as what did it mean seems like there's a deeper meaning betweem Mordecai and Stranger. I cant quite put my finger on it, ive come to a few conclusions but none never felt like it fit, but thats what i like about some movies leaves you to ponder stuff and talk about for years
Hi Tommy, Thanks for taking the time to comment. If I remember correctly, Mordecai sheds tears at Marshal Duncan’s murder, revealing greater compassion, depth of character and sense of justice than the other townsfolk. He also passes comments to the others to let them know of his disapproval, though he is too intimidated to act on his feelings. The Stranger may well be aware of Mordecai’s thoughts and recognises his regret at events as well as the fact he did not gain by Duncan’s death, unlike the others, and so treats him differently and in a kindlier way. Just my thoughts. I totally agree about pondering - some films have that effect.
Mordecai is also just naturally afflicted. He's not exactly capable of lending a hand, and as Stuart said he seems to generally be a decent person without much cruelty.
In terms of dialogue in the begining Mordecai asks the stranger "what did you say your name was again?", which implies he might have a vague recollection of him as a person.
Its because mordechai as a little person actually had an excuse not to help duncan. He was at a significant physical disadvantage. The other townspeople had no excuses.
@@fernie150 yes. Mordechai and the wife of the hotel owner had the most grief for Duncan.
Yes sir, this is a movie you can comment on and think about forever. If I'm not mistaken, Mordechai shoots one of the bad guys (not the gang but a townsperson in kahoots) at the end as he's about to shoot the Stranger. That might have contributed to the warmth between them but you're right it doesn't fully answer the question. Maybe as others pointed out, because out of all the people in the town, the Stranger considers him innocent, because Mordechai was not able to stand up to even one person in that cowardly town, but then found the courage to participate in the fight against the brutal bad guys.
There's also a woman who the Stranger is kind to and respectful of, and you can see in the flashback that she is the only person trying to stop what was happening, she and the marshal might have been lovers or she loved the marshal.
A very good analysis. It would be good to point that the stranger demanded the entire town be painted in red, "especially the church." We also hear time and time again that the stranger "has us at each other's throats." This is society's end when it is clothed in sham religion, subjective morality, and lacking the courage and selflessness to stand for right.
Thank you. Indeed, there is a price to pay when individuals put their own needs and ambitions above fairness and justice for all - conflict is inevitable in such circumstances. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Seen it 3 times an never fully understood it until now.
Delighted to think my wee video was of some value to you. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
Great analysis
Excellent summary and analysis.
Thank you. Much appreciated.
Very good analysis, if I may say so.
You’re very kind. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Why there is no full movie on youtube?
Great analysis, I think you got one thing wrong though. He wasn’t the Marshall come back from the dead (logic: looks totally different and probably has a complete different personality to him). He was another person/being...the grim reaper/angel of death/ or as far as the devil himself. Love this film!
I always saw him as some kind of avenging spirit to, and agree he wasn't quite the same man otherwise the townsfolk would have recognized him.
but the angel of death is josef mengele so i think its a weird term
Looks were different so as to not give his cover away. A ghost of a Marshal who was whipped to death wouldn't sure be the same lol...He was vengeful.....It's the Ghost of Jim Duncan exactly how he says to Mordecai in the end that he knows who the drifter and that's because he's the Marshal. No way death or any devil could have nightmares like The Drifter did on what happened on the night of his death. It's Jim's Ghost 105%
You know it’s his ghost because when he first walks into town someone cracks a whip and he reacts even though he walked through an entire town without batting an eye.
I have a theory about the ghost thing I think he was a ghost that took possession of a human body I mean a troubled soul could just haunt people I guess but if a troubled soul wanted to exact revenge in the physical world it would possess a human body
great movie
Best of the best
Hell is coming to breakfast.
i think the reason he put hell on the sign and paionted the town red is a way of showing its his living hell and he cant be laid to rest until he has killed his murderers and and gave the town a lesson and that town is his living purgatory and thats why at the end, he just disappears. Kind of a weird theory, but i do think the disappearing is accurate.
Great analysis. I just have to say that I think his killing of the 3 men at the beginning is planned by the stranger. He pretends to be someone passing through town who just stopped at the saloon for a bottle and a "peaceful hour to drink it in", and it seems that he inadvertently attracted the attention of these 3 ruffians and is then forced to shoot them all dead after they follow him out of the bar and "trap" him in the barbershop. But in reality, the stranger's goal was to lure them into a situation where he could kill them and it would be just. Because the stranger HAS to kill them. His plan doesn't work if they're around.
Thank you and I totally agree with your thoughts on the three men at the start of the film. I suppose the stranger knew they would react in that way to his presence - that was their job, and part of why he’s there.
Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
@@fernie150 yes, and he deliberately antagonizes them. He doesn't acknowledge them as he enters the bar, and he doesn't answer them when they address him, except to threaten them when they ask if he think's he's "quick enough". Then he casually saunters out of the bar and goes across the street for a shave as if nothing happened. All that very carefully done.
Absolutely - he provokes them fairly subtly but effectively, knowing how they must react.
His best movie overall
One of the best
Kind of a western version of The Crow
its a metaphor on money and power! town represents the world! stranger represents someone with ancestral power and money! he does what he wants! and bends everyone and everything at his will, the rules go about the window for such individuals! and he addresses positions of power as he pleases! the world is run this way! everyone is afraid and a puppet willing to give their freedom...
👌
It must be good. It's never offered for free.
Great!
watched it for the first time tonight and I was confused by how much of a comical asshole eastwood was to the towns folks despite them being not so great people. I did enjoy the twist of him being a spirit of vengeance, however. I do find the rape scene problematic though and unjustifiable
I actually would have sided with the town for killing him if they would have done it more humanely. Whipping him to death was just sadistic. But ratting them out to the government is pretty fucked up. both sides are guilty imo.
Clint eastwood shot three men when they did not draw to shoot.so that is murder.
And? This movie isn't getting to its moral by example. It's a commentary on cowardice, greed, and how those invite tyrany.
Rape is not justice not even in this film.
🤣🤣🤣
She knew what she wanted and so did he.