*** I read this book twice over the years and found this production to be an honest interpretation in revisionist style of a great work of western fiction. The music and scenery are by turns haunting and breathtaking. The story, however, is more than a bit rushed and needed more time to unfold. Also, some scenes worked better than others and at times budget restrictions seemed evident. The romance between the two main characters, which is the heart of this story is nonetheless spot-on and is handled with grace and charm. Bill Pullman wears three hats as producer, director, and star and his scenes with Diane Lane as a tough lovestruck cowboy romancing a pretty but reluctant schoolmarm have a poignancy that is absolutely endearing! The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Great support from the rest of the cast (especially Dennis Weaver and John Savage). This is the best treatment to date for this granddaddy of all Westerns and I, for one, am glad of it. I'm still waiting for the DVD to add it to my western collection.
Review of The Virginian
The Virginian
(2000 TV Movie)
Great story, great music, great scenery!
29 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers