JEREMIAH JOHNSON is a leisurely-paced and enthralling true-life 'mountain man' story directed by the reliable Sydney Pollack and starring the excellent Robert Redford as a man who decides to get away from the humdrum existence of society life and literally retire to a cabin in the mountains. The film chronicles his encounters with various oddball characters and local Indian tribes, with the latter half of the production moving into action-adventure territory.
What I liked about this film is the naturalistic feel. There's not a wealth of dialogue here and most of the shots emphasise man's stature dwarfed by the extent and brutality of the natural world about him. I always enjoy 'back to nature' films such as this and JEREMIAH JOHNSON doesn't disappoint, whether it's chronicling Redford fighting against the elements or a wolf pack or enjoying quieter, more contemplative moments.
The supporting cast is well drawn and the over the top performances work well. When the film moves into revenge territory in the latter part it becomes madly exciting and thoroughly thrilling. I also liked the dark and brutal edge despite the family friendly rating; it gives the film that unmistakable '70s gritty vibe. JEREMIAH JOHNSON truly is THE REVENANT of its day and you'd struggle to find a better depiction of wilderness life or the power struggles of the great outdoors between indigenous tribes.
What I liked about this film is the naturalistic feel. There's not a wealth of dialogue here and most of the shots emphasise man's stature dwarfed by the extent and brutality of the natural world about him. I always enjoy 'back to nature' films such as this and JEREMIAH JOHNSON doesn't disappoint, whether it's chronicling Redford fighting against the elements or a wolf pack or enjoying quieter, more contemplative moments.
The supporting cast is well drawn and the over the top performances work well. When the film moves into revenge territory in the latter part it becomes madly exciting and thoroughly thrilling. I also liked the dark and brutal edge despite the family friendly rating; it gives the film that unmistakable '70s gritty vibe. JEREMIAH JOHNSON truly is THE REVENANT of its day and you'd struggle to find a better depiction of wilderness life or the power struggles of the great outdoors between indigenous tribes.