A close look at blocking and composition in a scene of John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Watch the original scene here: • The Man Who Shot Liber...
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@44dawgman6 жыл бұрын
I've always thought it was interesting that the villian's name is Liberty, something usually considered good, and the protagonist's name is Ransom, something usually associated with evil.
@peteturner19445 жыл бұрын
I'm old enough to remember when "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" was released. Great breakdown of a great movie. John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart & Lee Marvin all in the same film! Wow, too bad we don't have anyone these days who even comes close to these three giants.
@jamesdunn97146 жыл бұрын
Very well done! In analyzing and describing this scene you've made me appreciate the director's art in a way I've not considered before. Thanks.
@777Outrigger6 жыл бұрын
John Ford should be considered to be a modern Shakespeare for his directing genius.
@MJLeger-yj1ww6 жыл бұрын
John Ford was a terrific director, difficult to work with sometimes, but he knew what he wanted and demanded it. One of the best.
@9johnpaul5 жыл бұрын
John Wayne steps toward Valance, but the double light and the guy with the hat on remain in the same spot in both shots. In real life the lights would have been more behind him and the guy with the hat would have been out of the shot, but I guess realism doesn't matter. The lights and The guy with the hat would not Have been in the first single shot of John Wayne standing, but the second one after he steps forward, might have included the lights and other guy, so I am saying was standing in the same spot for both of the single shots.
@chrisbutler98646 жыл бұрын
Duke has always been my favorite actor. I have dozens of his films and still enjoy watching them today. He had a screen presence like no other. RIP Duke.
@ThorneJr3 жыл бұрын
named my son Ethan
@Bubbles997186 жыл бұрын
Lee Van Cleefs no dummy. He grabbed the bottle before they split.
@jcake10005 жыл бұрын
Well he did bring it.
@alexthelizardking3 жыл бұрын
The dark knight has the same ending. The man of the law must become the hero while the amoral vigilante is cast down and forgotten.
@cedricgist76146 жыл бұрын
I hated expository writing in high school. I felt like we were asked to take good stories and tear them apart. Today, I can appreciate an exploration such as yours. I still feel the old resentment, sure; however, I've come to appreciate storytelling in all its forms and I see the value in searching for what may lie deeper. Real life can be seen as a combination of pretense and substance. So, I thank you for this glimpse you pulled together so well.
@mikebtrfld17056 жыл бұрын
I saw the movie when it came out as a kid. The song Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was on the AM radio, there was no FM to speak of yet. I didn't realize until I saw it many years later that it's one of the best westerns ever made.
@Johnnycdrums2 жыл бұрын
“The Who Shot Liberty Valance” ~ Gene Pitney. The movie came out first, they scrambled to use the tune later on, so I’m told.
@ep616116 жыл бұрын
I've never heard such an excellent analogy. The points you mentioned would have been easily overlooked as just part of their great acting skills - but you defined each movement like a finely choreographed exposé. You brought out emotional aspects that solidify a person's attention.
@wrlord6 жыл бұрын
Analogy?
@alyxg10767 жыл бұрын
Holy cow, this is a great analysis.
@EugeneOneguine6 жыл бұрын
I clapped for your analysis. I always had a strong feeling towards this scene, not only for the epic showdown between the 2 titans of the old west, but for this disturbing element that is Ranson. I adore the image that picking up the steak puts an end to the uncivilized and old west, made much stronger by your analysis of the pole that divides the scene.
@trevormiles58525 жыл бұрын
I liked how he picked up the steak and slapped on the plate and thought that would be it. Even the bad guy Liberty knew that was not a fix. He paid for it but still with that bad guy attitude, dropping it on the floor.Notice ford did not show anybody picking it up. It would have been demeaning to anybody who picked it up.
@shamrick14836 жыл бұрын
I stumbled across this scene on KZbin a couple of days ago, and was fascinated by it. Then...I stumbled across your analysis of it...and was extremely impressed with your description of what the director was doing. I don't want to sound naïve...but, I didn't realize director's could introduce such subtlety into a scene that way. I can see how such masterful work by the Director enhances our understanding and enjoyment of the film/scene. Clearly...these things work on our mind...even if only subconsciously. I'm impressed by your analysis, and enjoyed it very much. I'm going to check out your channel, and I'm sure I will learn a lot...even about some of my favorite films.
@edkline64016 жыл бұрын
Good, now I don't have to type out all the stuff I was going to write. You said it all.
@shamrick14836 жыл бұрын
Late......LOL. isn't it impressive guess I have a deeper appreciation for Directors! love your screen name!
@shamrick14835 жыл бұрын
@Gary Daniel yes. I certainly have heard of that. I've read an analysis...from political perspective (explaining what the author was "saying"). Been a long time, though. Fascinating. Thanks.
@shamrick14835 жыл бұрын
@geezusispan LOL!! That really gives me a laugh. Hilarious. So....assuming you are correct....I think it is pretty amazing that the guy who made the video (head over reels) is so creative as to craft his presentation in this way. Maybe he thought the director was using such devices. But, who knows. Anyway...certainly....there is great art to directing....of which I am wholely ignorant. Best wishes to you.
@CaminoAir5 жыл бұрын
Marvin is terrific in this role. Repulsive, truly contemptible, etc. To make an audience despise you takes talent.
@Mike-yg8ig7 ай бұрын
My favorite actor of all time. The ultimate bully in this flick, and we hate bullies.
@teller12906 жыл бұрын
The last of the John Wayne movies I saw. I didn't discover this one until I was 35! I don't know how I missed it. I remember I stumbled across it on Turner back in 1996, late at night, when in two days I was getting ready to start a pretty big adventure (change of career). I recall telling my late mom I was hungry (which I never did because she'd always zoom into a flurry of food-related activity, beyond what was needed) and she slammed some eggs and grits together and I recall eating it all while watching this wonderful flick. I couldn't get over how I'd never seen it before. The doctor "tending" to Liberty probably my favorite scene!
@dellalderman80114 жыл бұрын
Get this!!! I am 59 years old. Never seen this movie until today. WOW!!!! WHAT A MOVIE!!!!
@marcusharjo82766 жыл бұрын
John Ford was a great filmmaker
@jpavlvs6 жыл бұрын
Ford knew how to frame a picture. I wonder how long it took to shoot with all those cut aways. Nice analysis.BTW That was Strother Martin and Lee Van Cleef as Liberty's henchmen. Lee was one of Frank Miller's henchmen in High Noon.
@LtBrown19565 жыл бұрын
jpalvis I had forgotten van Cleef was in HN. He was in quite a few completely unrelated western classics thanks for pointing that out
@kurtb84745 жыл бұрын
All three actors played in the same episode of the Twilight Zone.
@karlkarlos35455 жыл бұрын
Don't forget Woody Strode was in this movie too.
@joep87873 жыл бұрын
Valance and Doniphon probably knew they'd eventually have a showdown. The way Valance was actually killed was shameful but true to the real west. The Doniphon character wished that Valance had been killed in an honorable way. He said he could live with it but he couldn't.
@dukecraig24025 жыл бұрын
If you think that Tom and Liberty are two sides of the same coin you're gravely mistaken, Liberty is a dry gulcher, Tom will look a man in the eye, two completely different personalities.
@drby07882 күн бұрын
The brilliance of John Ford explained wonderfully!
@primus77766 жыл бұрын
Great analysis. One of the best westerns ever made.
@LATVERIAN16 жыл бұрын
Excellent expose on a scene from one of the greatest westerns of all time. The steak scene was always a favorite of mine as well. Your insight showed brilliance in relaying Ford's creative & keen direction.
@rameuplatonov62214 жыл бұрын
Tom outburst anger at the bar good too though
@antonymichealmelven48677 жыл бұрын
brilliant analysis
@kybowler66826 жыл бұрын
Classic Wayne and James and Lee only missing Walter Brennan!
@CharlesRBiggs8 күн бұрын
Well done, Pilgrim!! This is a fine essay about one wonderfully layered and meaningful film by a master director.
@thephishphan6 жыл бұрын
Best. Analysis. Ever.
@richbowman84427 жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis!
@ralphfurley1233 жыл бұрын
Love it! This scene is also one of my favorites! Your analysis is spot on! You’ve even pointed things out that I hadn’t really noticed, and I’ve watched this movie many times! Thank you so much for sharing your perspective! ☮️🖖🏽
@mattberg73325 жыл бұрын
I love this movie, and this scene, it looks like Wayne, Stewart and Lee Marvin are competing and enjoying every second of it....
@weirdshibainu5 жыл бұрын
It's an easy trap for many people to fall into the stereotype that westerns are formulaic, bordering on the cartoonish. A director like ford uses every scene to make a statement. No movement wasted, no talent obscured.
@markmarsh276 жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis. .. John Ford was a true Master of his craft.
@wetlazer6 жыл бұрын
This movie reminds me of the relationship I had with my father. Dad was a bull in a china shop. Never learned to read or write. Swore like a sailor, fought just about anyone. He never taught me how to fight, so I had to learn to use words, and humor. He respected me and also had a competitive streak with me. He was 40 years my elder, it was a complex, and strained relationship.
@russellcampbell91986 жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis of a master film maker's art.
@YellowstoneBound19486 жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis! It makes me wonder how much of this scene was Ford, how much was the camera director, and how much was the film editor. Could Ford have possibly envisioned every nuance discussed in this scene? Hard to say. What do you make of Lee Van Cleef pausing to take a bottle of whiskey with him as they leave the establishment? This was truly John Ford's magnus opus in old age . . . .
@glassjaw20075 жыл бұрын
yes he envisioned it, this TITAN was the master of Kurosawa, Leone and Scorsese, of course the cinematographer was key but Ford had a painter´s eye.
@simonkenton59275 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed your analysis of the scene I've watched that movie tons of times and while I guess I understood what was going on I maybe didn't realize that there was a purpose to it I guess I assumed that it was a natural response to the actors interchanging with each other. I subscribed because of this video. I also wanted to let you know what you called a bullwhip is really a silver adorned Horse quirt. A bullwhip was much longer and needed to be able to reach from a wagon seat or Stagecoach seat to the stock that was being driven. Quirts many times had a loop that the hand would go through so when both hands were needed the quirt could be dropped from the hand and would ride on the wrist on the leather thong. The quirt was used to whip the horse to greater speed and could also be used to shou flys. Take care Simon
@HowardPaulblasingame5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful & heartfelt essay. This is a truly timeless movie filled with magnificent actors.
@ChefDuane11 күн бұрын
That's really good analysis and demonstrates the art and craft of film making. While watching this scene and movie the casual observer might simply think "Wow, that's a good movie" without knowing the specific staging, movements, acting, and direction, that makes it so. Well done.
@jerrybobteasdale6 жыл бұрын
Nice explanation of subtleties that were perhaps seen, but not recognized. I liked it.
@crlguitar15 жыл бұрын
I saw this film at age 12 in a small town of Vernon, BC during a vacation in 1962. It has stayed in my mind ever since that day.
@ughugh35566 жыл бұрын
I get the scene building, but the bottom line on all movies is the actor. Faces, voice, simple way they stand you put different people in that same scene, and it won't play right. Just about all the actors were perfectly cast.
@Simpack515 жыл бұрын
Enjoyable and informative analysis of the scene. Brings home, how a great director such as John Ford, can cleverly and subtly bring so much information and power to a scene.
@CaminoAir5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your comprehensive breakdown of the scene/staging. We probably unconsciously take in what you have pointed out, because we've seen so many films that the film 'grammar' is automatically detected.
@WALTERBROADDUS6 жыл бұрын
Damn.... I never thought that deeply about the scene.
@biophilist6 жыл бұрын
What an enjoyable analysis of a wonderful film! Thank you for creating and posting!
@malafakka85306 жыл бұрын
Amazing analysis. Thank you.
@daveygivens7356 жыл бұрын
Probably one of the top 5 westerns of all time. I see a lot of parallels with this and "Unforgiven"
@cedricgist76146 жыл бұрын
Never made that connection! It fits, though. There were no "good guys" in "Unforgiven." And the "noblest" characters in this film are flawed: Doniphan shoots his rival from the shadows, and Ransom builds his career on a lie. Thanks for the comparison.
@daveygivens7356 жыл бұрын
Two of my favorites. Wayne was at his best with a dark streak. The Horse Soldiers was a little campy but his character was really interesting. And the Searchers? Wow.
@AmericanActionReport5 жыл бұрын
You can see the moustached man at 10:02. Comparing this frame with the earlier frame, we get a better picture of the layout of the place and from where the moustached man appears later in the scene.
@1776TomPaine6 жыл бұрын
This was a really good analysis. Thanks!
@randydaniel15835 жыл бұрын
One of my favorite scenes in one of my favorite movies.
@BabyBoomerChannel Жыл бұрын
Wow Wow Wow! What a great analysis!!! I’ve always loved TMWSLV. But I never knew why! The steak seen was always one of my favorites (“Burn me a good one Cookie”) - and you’ve explained why it’s been so impactful. I’ve always seen this film as the “death of the western” - with an anti-hero in Rance, and a questionable hero in Tom - Tom “snipes” LW, he doesn’t go toe-to-tow with him. I’ve always found that unsettling. Amazing Durection - - and Amazing analysis. I’m waiting for Hollywood to make a similar film about the Super Hero genre, which has also run its course. Thank you.
@63DW89A6 жыл бұрын
It is difficult, maybe even impossible, to rate Ford's place among directors. Ford seems to be the reference that so many directors create by, that it is difficult to place him, except as THE reference. Simply saying "John Ford, director" as he called himself, may be the most appropriate. When directors the like of Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, Frank Capra, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, David Lean, and more all name John Ford as a major influence, Ford is clearly above even being "one of the best".
@robertpeston66927 жыл бұрын
Americans, so damn good at analysis.
@kybowler66826 жыл бұрын
took 60 yrs dude, but thankfully.
@jmshaw3576 жыл бұрын
Its how we win wars.
@aragoniusde81456 жыл бұрын
William Davidson yeaahhh funny
@kirkmoore45156 жыл бұрын
jmshaw357 We win wars, no thanks to the coward John Wayne.
@lonmcq73176 жыл бұрын
Kirk...Respectfully, it takes no brains, and a lot of ignorance to call Duke a coward...Check your facts before you spill crap like this...
@johnfitzpatrick30946 жыл бұрын
Your analysis is what makes John Ford such a great director.
@capdriving6 жыл бұрын
one of t the best movie reviews ever
@kyokogodai-ir6hy7 жыл бұрын
Thoroughly enjoyed this! A brilliant film.
@blessOTMA5 жыл бұрын
Fascinating break down of the scene. Thank you for posting
@GolfExcellence4 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed this video, well done and skillfully narrated. Provides a new perspective on an old classic.
@LtBrown19565 жыл бұрын
outstanding!!!! man who shot liberty valence is one of the top 10 westerns of all times and this scene is simply the best one in any western that did not end in a shootout. fantastic directing by john ford and acting by a several outstanding leading men. that does not even count the contributions of the multitude of great character actors (woody strobe, strother martin, lee van cleef among the most obvious (dont forget the characters in the kitchen ....all staples of ford westerns). greatest single shot in any western ever is the one where lee marvin and the duke are on opposite sides of the line you indicated and jimmy stewart was in the middle but I always point out strother martin ("what we have here is a failure to communicate") on the far left of the shot. Martin may have been the best character actor of his generation. Also, If you extended the left of the shot you would also pick up lee van cleef (angel eyes). What an iconic shot!! moreover, it should also be pointed out that the great sergio leone was highly influenced by this movie and there are many contributions from this classic in his equally great "once upon a time in the west" and yes, woody strobe was in both movies. fantastic analysis ....you thoroughly documented many things I had observed and pointed out to others but you went way beyond what I had noted. really enjoyed this
@51lobo275 жыл бұрын
Woody strobe
@LtBrown19565 жыл бұрын
sorry ....woody strode
@tombrennan63126 жыл бұрын
Ever notice that while all the other characters are chowing down on big steaks and spuds Ranse gets served beans and bread in the kitchen?
@laserprop3 жыл бұрын
Lee Marvin's moustached henchman is the eventually famous Lee Van Cleef, archvillain of Spaghetti Westerns. And Pompey is college football star Woody Strode, who also appeared in Kirk Douglas' "Spartacus" as Draba, the gladiator who sacrifices himself to save Spartacus.
@mikelemish75886 жыл бұрын
Excellent breakdown of the scene. There is so much going on with the scene manipulated by the director that the average viewer often overlooks.
@harveyapotheker97876 жыл бұрын
I was rather young when I first watched this movie. I felt very bad for Tom Doniphon. Several decades later I still feel for him if I happen to watch the film.
@LowCountryMack5 жыл бұрын
Really well done. Should do another one on the death of the American Western movie in the 21st century. Really do miss them.
@Dasborg5 жыл бұрын
My all time favorite western.
@thomasrsunday89456 жыл бұрын
Great analysis
@chrisdeterman32475 жыл бұрын
You are really good at this. I always liked Liberty Valance and John Ford. You have given me new ways to watch film.
@Anvanho6 жыл бұрын
Wow, that was fascinating! Didn't realize all the subtle aspects that go into framing and composing a motion picture scene!
@sonofizzy3 жыл бұрын
Horsefluff. This confrontation between Tom and Liberty was not over a steak or over "nothing"; it was the culmination and consummation of the struggle of good and evil in the town. By stopping the rough justice about to take place, Jimmy Stewart's character was responsible for the death and destruction which Liberty wreaked thereafter. There is an old saying, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions". So it was by Stewart's character's interference with what needed to be done.
@jamesdrynan4 жыл бұрын
There is thing not mentioned in this analysis. The shot at 2:45 shows at least five men eating in the foreground but at 4:20 there is a wall where those men were eating.
@65tosspowertrapl366 жыл бұрын
Great analysis, now to watch the whole film again!
@tomtransport3 жыл бұрын
Gene Pitney singing.........The man who shot Liberty Valance.........he was the greatest of them alllllllllllll. So true.
@zorroonmilkavitch18406 жыл бұрын
And did you notice how the tablecloth is set so carefully with the glasses and napkins juxtaposed in the realm of complete reactionary concern I also noticed how the windows glare as Liberty Valance walked past it almost giving it a careful stare almost to say you don't scare me it's just amazing how carefully these scenes were thought out
@TheMaverick-zo5kv3 жыл бұрын
Featureman brought me here.
@Pimp-Master3 жыл бұрын
Excellent; I didn't put together that both guys tripped someone in the scene deliberately as sort of an ante into the game. That's good stuff.
@KeoniPhoenix5 жыл бұрын
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is not the greatest John Ford Western (that goes to The Searchers), but its still a wonderful movie and its a wonderful remolding of the Western that had considerable influence in later films.
@lisar30065 жыл бұрын
My favorite western and and one of John Wayne's best performances and John Ford's best work maybe. I do cowboy action shooting and my alias is Link Appleyard. I learned how to be a man watching John Wayne and my Dad who was a hard man himself. He went to work in the coal mines at age 11 in 1914. He was a boxer and bare knuckle fighter in local evens for $5.00 a fight in the 1920's. There are no men like that today. America could sure use John Wayne now.
@OldMovieRob3 жыл бұрын
This analysis was excellent.
@thomasrsunday89456 жыл бұрын
It’s a great scene.
@adventuressurvivalinthailand5 жыл бұрын
The one thing about this scene I don't understand, is how Jimmy Stewart's character was actually expecting John Wayne to eat that steak?? I mean it was on the floor. Stewart tries to pick it up, drops it AGAIN on the floor and puts the plate on a customer's table expecting them to eat it? That's just plain weird and disgusting. Lol I think John Wayne meant for Liberty to clean up the mess he made, throw the steak away or out to the dogs
@delona64856 жыл бұрын
And they say the Duke couldn’t act! This is the epitome of acting. No Pacino over acting or DeNero scumbaging !
@danjameson15723 жыл бұрын
This somehow comes off to me as the greatest movie Walt Disney wanted to make and never did
@teller12906 жыл бұрын
You have to give Duke credit. he was no kid in 1962 (55...or 54 when filmed), but he holds his own in the scene with Marvin, 17 years younger. Though, if we didn't grow up with John Wayne, it might be harder to buy.
@ronnieverhagi56073 жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis, well done in all aspects of cinematography and character development.👍
@douglaslett75043 жыл бұрын
There is one scene in another western that comes very close to reality, in the movie unforgiven with Clint Eastwood his pardoner had just killed someone, he was so horrified at what he had just done he states I will never kill a person again. This seems closer to reality than most westerns. The character played by Clint Eastwood no longer cares about killing due to past traumas in his life. In the last scene he proves it by killing several people to avenge his friends death. But he has some civility left he allows one fellow to live if I remember correctly.
@alleycat27596 жыл бұрын
This movie delivered one of the best, most honest and - sadly - accurate truths there was ever said, "When legend becomes truth, print the legend." History has forever been recorded by the victors and written in such a way to glorify them and sensationalized, while diminishing their faults. This movie truly was one of the best, most thought provoking westerns of the silver screen. If you have never seen it, do yourself the favor and do so.
@ignaciopadilla1814 жыл бұрын
Please, the movie speaks for it self, thank u
@shawnj19666 жыл бұрын
Interesting take. Not sure if that is what Ford was doing but it makes sense. Drawing with your back turned is just stupid though as you not only need to draw but also acquire your target while turning. Valence was likely drunk however and wouldn't have thought about that as much as saving face.
@scottgoodman47766 жыл бұрын
Agreed. The angry voice, use of violence hand going toward the gun, all would have signaled the need for Wayne to draw and gun Valence down. But I guess without a plot twist, there is no showdown in the street and no story.
@colerainfan11435 жыл бұрын
The greatest western ever made. John Ford, Jimmie Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin, such rare talent, at their best. An American classic....an American treasure.
@math4U12346 жыл бұрын
Dude! That was great. Do some more. Subscribed:)
@ChimeraAZ5 жыл бұрын
No one had better ever try and reboot or remake this film,..because no one and I mean no one could ever play Liberty Valance but Lee Marvin! Liberty was my favorite character in the entire movie. :}
@Hypochrondriac5 жыл бұрын
The same tension as the new west - book - replaces the old - gun - as seen in Shane (Stark = Liberty; Shane = Tom; Fletcher = cattle ranch; Starrett = fenced and planned farm; stump = old); The Virginian (Virginian, Trampas, Molly Wood (teacher = book); The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky (marriage, bride, train = new; Marshall Potter, unarmed = moving into the new; Scratchy = Stark = Liberty = Trampas: the end of the gun). " 'The old order changeth yielding place to new" (Tennyson)
@ericmalone32135 жыл бұрын
Superb, superb. This analysis is right up there with Ford scholarship by Tag Gallagher, Joseph McBride, Scott Allen Nollen & Scott Eyman. Cheers & Kudos.
@billace906 жыл бұрын
Yeah, but Duke backed off when he saw Liberty had brought Angel Eyes for protection.....
@thomasrsunday89456 жыл бұрын
And Strother “Fail to Communicate” Martin!
@teller12906 жыл бұрын
before his promotion to warden of a chain gang!
@JW...-oj5iw5 жыл бұрын
Strother Martin: "Frank... you're dead."
@LISA613673 жыл бұрын
My favorite old western movie of all time❤️
@memkem17252 жыл бұрын
Great analysis, no self indulgence which is rare.
@pickeljarsforhillary1025 жыл бұрын
If you aint willing to die over a steak you just aint willing to die for anything.
@richarddismore74995 жыл бұрын
Excellent just excellent commentary and explanation. Very well done sir. I have watched this movie at least 25 times and I now understand it better than ever before! Thank-you Sir for your efforts!
@doubled15985 жыл бұрын
I can’t enjoy this movie again without pausing it and reviewing each shot to see what the director is trying to say! It will take all day to watch it now! I guess I will just go and play golf and drink a beer! Ha! Come on people, life is not that complicated!
@cliffordholloway62916 жыл бұрын
good job, this was the first movie I saw in the theater with my family. Excellent commentary.
@edmundcharles52785 жыл бұрын
Excellent analysis and the narrator gives detailed insights into the art of film.
@flashesofblack41285 жыл бұрын
An excellent forensic analysis! Superb acting, actors and very well directed. Even though it was filmed in black and white to me that seems to compliment this overall great, classic movie!