High Plains Drifter is a film that really shows off the directorial skills of Clint Eastwood, especially since is was only his second feature length film. It is a smart dirty unapologetic western with supernatural undertones that demands a second viewing as there are many levels of meaning for almost every shot.
Along with directing Eastwood starred in the film, he plays a man only known as The Stranger, a foul man who rides into a town for seemingly no reason at all. He is a man hated by the town as he rapes a woman and kills the three gunmen protecting the town, however when the town is in danger he is the only person the townspeople can turn to. The main plot is intercut with a past story regarding the dark past of the towns people but that is as much as I will give away.
The film was a critical and commercial success when it was released and there was much speculation as to who the Stranger is which is a topic that is a lot of fun to try to figure out as the film gives many hints but never tells you.
High Plains Drifter is a film that is on par with the best westerns of all time and is far more different than any of the other greats. It is a film that will stand the test of time and is sure to gain more appreciation as time passes.
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