This is pure genius! Released in 1969 to a polarized public, The Wild Bunch has garnered itself one of the most controversial films of all time, and it’s well worthy of that title. Extremely violent, nudity, and sexual references combined while following a group of savages makes it brutal, a kind of film that was a stranger to audiences. Sam Peckinpah knew what he was making. It was certainly no secret that all those involved wanted to shock audiences. And why not? It’s the perfect time to do it. With Vietnam at the time, the hippie movement, and the civil rights movement; violence was particularly present within this decade. The 1960s embraced a new kind of cinema, as we were nearing a new decade. The MPAA had finally set age restrictions for films, thus cinema was now in the hands of all creative directors alike. Most films that would’ve instantly been scraped back in the fifties were now being presented to audiences all around!
The Wild Bunch, was of course one of those films. Certainly shocking, and most abhorred it’s realistic approach to blood and gore. People couldn’t stand it, rather remembering fondly of John Wayne and claiming those were, “Real westerns”. Now, think of that at the time. There kind of a western, had enough violence with color to where they escaped reality. Peckinpah, put you into it. His direction made it so where you felt like the old west was truly a violent world. This isn’t even set in the west! It’s on the eve of World War I. Considered to be one of the bloodiest conflicts in history. Meanwhile this film had been released during a time of division, thus creating an outcry of enraged individuals. It was one never to forget however. The historical significance to The Wild Bunch, would serve it greatly as time never withered on the film.
Watching over fifty years later, I’m dumbfounded. The first time I watched it, It threw me into a mix of bloody rage and violence which was content I enjoyed. However, It was at a time where the spaghetti western dominated my consciousness. Unfortunately I pushed the film aside until recently where I would reinvigorate my love for the savage picture. It’s a visceral punch, to the old west and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve yet to see a western that surpasses Sam Peckinpah’s grandiose blood bath! It permeates with entertainment, lovable characters who you become to grow attached to, and by the end I was a changed man. Of course I wanted to watch it again then, the rest was history. I’ve grown accustomed to violent films and do very much enjoy them as well as appreciate them. The Wild Bunch in it’s own right stands as a testament, the landmark period when violent films were all but obscured from the public.
Nearly all shot on location in Mexico. The crew faced hardships with nature and blistering heat to accompany it. Snakes coiled and ready to pounce. The unwelcoming production, being put to hold by the weather. Within that time, little would the crew know that this would be a game changer. I’ve gone to not only praise this film, but as well gone to the extent of calling it one of my favorites. Without The Wild Bunch; I’d say there would be no Godfather or Heat. As it would influence other violent films to crawl out of their holes. It’s an emotional epic that follows the trails of unchanged men in a changing world of violence. Leaving it as it is, the film becomes a message to what we’re leaving the world as. Standing up to the violence can in turn reflect on us. It’s message is as plain as day, but with it’s bullet riddled shock and an ensemble cast; it remains with another name, one of the greatest films of all time.
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