Mexican crime lord El Jefe summons his pregnant daughter. He interrogates her under torture and she reveals the father of her baby to be Alfredo Garcia. El Jefe proclaims a bounty of 1 million for the head of Alfredo Garcia. His men arrive in Mexico City to track down the former favorite underling. Nobody is willing to give much information. Elita tells her local hustler boyfriend Bennie (Warren Oates) that she had cheated on him with Alfredo Garcia who died recently. Bennie has the idea to do some grave robbing and claim the bounty.
It's a great premise and a great title from director Sam Peckinpah. The start is great. There is a meandering section after the opening until Warren Oates installs himself as the lead of the movie. I wonder if Bennie should have the opening scene despite the greatness of this movie's opening. Warren Oates is not necessary a cinematic lead. He's a character actor, a great character actor. In order for him to be taken as the lead, he needs screen time with him as the center. There are parts I like but a lot is not that thrilling. This Peckinpah classic really intrigues me but also frustrates me with what could have been. I have an issue or two with the ending. All in all, it fascinates me more than frustrates me.
It's a great premise and a great title from director Sam Peckinpah. The start is great. There is a meandering section after the opening until Warren Oates installs himself as the lead of the movie. I wonder if Bennie should have the opening scene despite the greatness of this movie's opening. Warren Oates is not necessary a cinematic lead. He's a character actor, a great character actor. In order for him to be taken as the lead, he needs screen time with him as the center. There are parts I like but a lot is not that thrilling. This Peckinpah classic really intrigues me but also frustrates me with what could have been. I have an issue or two with the ending. All in all, it fascinates me more than frustrates me.