THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT is one of my all-time favorite action/heist/road movies. I see it as Michael Cimino's finest effort, even better than DEER HUNTER, with quirky sequences like the opening corn field chase interrupted by Lightfoot running over Thunderbolt's pursuer; the lift they hitch from a madman carrying rabbits in his vehicle, which he keeps spinning; the encounter with the prostitutes; Red Leary (played by Kennedy) interrupting a couple's ongoing intercourse and taking off his mask to see the woman's private parts; and many other scenes, which are helped by razor-sharp punchlines and dialogue.
The conflict between humorless, sexually frustrated and vengeful Leary and Lightfoot is at the heart of the movie, in every sense. It pits a completely callous man against a naif and hopeful youngster, in line with Thunderbolt's biblical quote about wolves and lambs, and leopards and kids. That conflict is heightened by two truly superlative performances by Kennedy and Bridges.
Lewis, in a smaller but very funny role, especially as he goes around selling ice cream, is also superb. Eastwood pales somewhat by comparison, in a rather restrained role, but I find it commendable that he allowed the plum parts to go to others - after all, he owned (and continues to own) Malpaso Company, which produced the movie.
Photography (landscapes are breath-taking) and action sequences are phenomenal.
This film also throws incisive and interesting light on friendships gone sour, accepting new friends, and generational conflict. Ultimately, it is a very wise film, and wisdom also includes the knowledge of loss through death.
Strongly recommended.
The conflict between humorless, sexually frustrated and vengeful Leary and Lightfoot is at the heart of the movie, in every sense. It pits a completely callous man against a naif and hopeful youngster, in line with Thunderbolt's biblical quote about wolves and lambs, and leopards and kids. That conflict is heightened by two truly superlative performances by Kennedy and Bridges.
Lewis, in a smaller but very funny role, especially as he goes around selling ice cream, is also superb. Eastwood pales somewhat by comparison, in a rather restrained role, but I find it commendable that he allowed the plum parts to go to others - after all, he owned (and continues to own) Malpaso Company, which produced the movie.
Photography (landscapes are breath-taking) and action sequences are phenomenal.
This film also throws incisive and interesting light on friendships gone sour, accepting new friends, and generational conflict. Ultimately, it is a very wise film, and wisdom also includes the knowledge of loss through death.
Strongly recommended.