@@ballbby3775 In A History of Violence you don't find out until three guarters of the way through that his small town calm and kind husband and father is really a retired mafia badass in hiding who screwed over his brother's chance to move up in The Organization by killing or working over a made man. He wants to stay out of the mafia but his brother wants revenge and to kill him. Pretty serious stuff even for a guy who ripped up the face and one eye of his big brother's chief enforcer with a whip of barbed wire. Quite the shocker, "Ritchie". Did I step on the plot twist? Still, you'll love the performances of a big star cast.
Find any old linotype or photograph of a 'shoot out' in the Old West and you'll see Viggo's perfect form in front of you. Hands down my most favorite 'quick draw' gunfight. Viggo is one of the best actors out there and a real professional and gentleman.
Always thought of "draw" as being drawn from the holster. The early victorian era and before commonly had duelists begin with pistols in hand. That was a time when gentlemen never openly carried.
@@kommisar.Most gunfights took place at point blank range over things like a spilled drink or jealousy. The whole meet me in the street at noon is basically a myth.
@@roberthollingsworth8940 That might have been how most gunfights broke out, but we are talking duels here, which were indeed a real part of cultures all over the world up until the mid-20th century. Pistol duels predate the old West by centuries, so they did in fact have some sort of "meet me at a certain time and place and we'll shoot each other" arrangements.
@@radford2012804 I'm with you. Wtf are any of these people talking about? Eastern Promises, History of Violence, Green Book.......this guy does it all.
@@SStupendous, the topic is Viggo Mortenson, and the comment was that anyone could’ve done it meaning, for the reading comprehension impaired, that any actor could’ve played the part, and the movie wouldn’t have been changed. If Eric Bana had played that role, there would’ve been absolutely no difference in the end product. Do try to keep up. . .
I lived in Santa Fe for quite a while and was there when this movie was being filmed. I also did several events serving drinking chocolate over the years out at that movie ranch where the filming of this movie happened. Fun story: I owned a local Santa Fe chocolate shop at the time and one of the heads of filming came in one day to buy chocolate as it was Viggo’s birthday coming up. Turns out Viggo Loves dark chocolate. One day on a Sunday when the shop is normally closed, Viggo actually came by the shop and I let him in. We spent some time and he bought most of all the chocolate bars I had on hand for sale. He told me that he gives chocolate to cast and crew during filming. Viggo is a true gentleman, quiet spoken and a real nice guy. I was told later by another movie person associated with this movie that Viggo always has chocolate bars on hand somewhere in whatever costume he’s wearing during filming (I had fun with that thought, imagining him as Aragorn with chocolate bars on his person 😊). This was a great interaction with someone I admire who is a great actor.
Like a fencer ... En Garde! His character was an Academy grad if I recall. Back in the day when there were two academies, the Military Academy and the Naval Academy.
Thaat is because he has to cock the hammer back with his thumb. The hammer doesn't/won't move BACK so it can be fired with use of the trigger. It's easier to do by raising the barrel. Also, it's more precise lining up the shot with torso turned, shoulders square to target, the gun/wrist is at an angle to arm and target
Really love how everett wasnt the main protagonist of this movie and can be described as a “sidekick” and given a few lines but in the end he saved his boss’ life and walks off to the sunset. Bout to live a life wherever destiny takes him. Man so cool
@@madchad77 in the books Cole is essentially the fastest draw there is but no one can really describe why or how Hitch basically says Cole was always as fast as he needed to be
@@8triagrammer Not his fault. The screenplay for LoTR was dreadful whenever Jackson strayed from the source material, and sadly for Viggo's character, Jackson threw Tolkien's work out the window.
@@puppylove126 I mean... It's not bad. Well shot, performed, great music, but there are many great duals in film. The biggest screw up is that Viggo is standing sideways. That's not particularly honorable. You're supposed to stand straight on and face your opponent.
@@OpenMawProductions NO, that's the old school classic dueling stance. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton duel, one of the most famous Pistol duels of the 1800s. It's the proper way to duel in those times.
That goofy-looking stance is how they did it back then. They didn't use two hands to hold a pistol so there was no need to square up to the target as in a more modern style. The sideways stance gave the bonus of making you a little harder to hit.
Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) carries an 8 Gauge Double Barreled Steve Karnes 1878 Shotgun, referred to only as "The 8 Gauge". To handle the vicious recoil of the massive weapon, Everett has a leather pad sewn into the shoulder of his coat to help absorb it.
@@johnberg6202it’s illegal to hunt with an 8 gauge in the US (and I think a lot of other countries too), so nobody really makes them anymore. You might be able to have one custom made in England or Spain but it would be very expensive and you would have to load your own shells for it. The slightly smaller 10 gauge is still legal and not too uncommon among goose and turkey hunters.
I love the subtlety with which this scene undermines the fabled "I'm calling you out" shootout trope. Neither man has their weapon holstered. Everett doesn't do some fancy spin to get his pistol back in the holster. He just slowly, and deliberately reloads the spent chamber. So good.
Jeff: "He just slowly, and deliberately reloads the spent chamber." - Yes that scene is good, but in the real West they never faced off like that. Most got Shot in the Back ! (at least that is what Wild West historians say ! )
I think it was john wesley hardin who said "an enemy shot in the front of their head shows good marksman ship,an enemy shot in the back of the head shows good judgement ".
One of the best things I loved about this move was the detail to the gun play. I think Ed even mentions it in a interview how they wanted to make it as real as they could. Why wouldn't a gunslinger instantly reload his gun after using it? It made no since that these guys would put a half loaded gun back in it's holster.
This is a brilliant film. They went out of their way to get the details right. I can't recall another western film where the gunfighters immediately top off their weapons, even after firing a single shot. Nowadays they call it a "tactical reload."
I thought through out the movie they made a good effort to stay close to time period. Too many westerns dress up the town, dress up the actors, have the focus on quick draw and such. Catching a bad guy in an outhouse is not dramatic, but believable
Next time you watch the movie, notice thst the glass in the window panes have imperfections. In the 1800's they would "blow" a cylinder of glass. Cut it along one side while still molten, then roll it out on a table to cool. Yes, my wife and I are avid equestrians. We look for barbed wire, before it was invented. Zippers on the back of ladies costumes. Wrong bit, wrong saddle for the time period. Not in Appaloosa. Someone went all out to make it accurate.
In the movie "More Dead than Alive", Clint Walker plays a fast gun just released from prison and he joins a shooting show. The young kid resented him joining and kept saying how fast he was and he could beat him. After he shot his targets and was bragging, Clint Walker told him "you'll never be a killer" slapped him around, and took his gun and said, "you never reload after you shoot". Later on in the movie, he the kid kills someone and rides away. He's holding up and someone comes in and I think tries to rob him, but he's really fast, and he gets the draw on the other guy, but when he pulls the trigger, it goes click. He forgot to reload....
Probably one of the only truly accurate "shoot-outs" to ever grace a movie screen. Viggo Mortenson is an amazing actor. This, and Eastern Promises are my two favorite Viggo movies.
Not much skill needed to fire a sixshooter that's already unholstered and from such a close range. The Irons character must have been particularly slow an unskilled then.
@ I have watched and appreciated Westerns for a half century. The Searchers, which is one of the best, is certainly not fast paced. If this one scene is reflective of this entire film, it is a snoozer.
@@miamibeachsunnydays8274 that's a tough one. My top three are: 🤠 1. Unforgiving 2. Open Range 3. Appaloosa There are some honorable mentions though. 🥰
Even though it didn't do all that good at the box office, as far as I'm concerned it was one of the best westerns ever made. Wish it had done better so that they could have made a film from the second book too. Ed Harris and Viggo always seem to work well togethar.
Mekratrig Absolutely, I wish they would have done another book. I've read the whole series except the last book. The writer who took over after Robert Parker died just wasn't as good, I had to really push myself to get through his books. He wasn't bad, but they weren't the same without Mr Parker at the type writer.
-Working this film as 'the Carpenter' (retired sea Captain) building the Sheriff's house, it was truly a pleasurable experience at the old 'Ford Ranch' set, south of Santa Fe NM. Ed and Viggo were both extremely cordial, friendly stars to work with. Viggo demonstrated, explained the carry weapons, (10 ga chambered as 12 ga)... including his hand made 'Mexican knife, spending time with me after the last scene.. ;} Exceedingly rare for stars to associate with 'background.. John Travolta (Wild Hogs) was same, very friendly,... very intelligent..
I'm a true sucker for hand to hand fights in modern films, but something about a good old western duel/shootout builds all the suspense in the right ways. And that silent nod between Mortensen and Harris, a moment to remember!
Every movie Viggo is in, is an instant watch for me. The guy is a fantastic actor and, I hear, is a genuinely good person as well. I'd love to see him as a lead actor in another upcoming A-list movie.
The look on Jeremy Irons' face when he comes out to face Viggo is just perfect: Bragg thought he had totally escaped all of his sins and was going to be able to spend the rest of his life in comfort and respectability. In his last moments, he is the picture of a man who's realized his past has caught up with him, and he is about to die.
@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 Jeremy Irons is the villain of the movie; Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris caught him near the end but he managed to get a pardon and escape justice. Ed Harris is a man of the law, so he can't touch Irons and he's flaunting his freedom; he even started up an affair with Ed Harris's love interest. Viggo Mortensen, Helms's deputy, knows there is nothing Helms can do about it. So he resigns as a deputy marshal and picks a fight with Irons so he can kill him in an (illegal) duel.
@@RConnickJr If it wasn't illegal, then what favor was Viggo's character was asking from the lawman played by Harris? Obviously the latter was meant to overlook the crime.
It's both realistic and classic western. Gotta have onlookers. Can't very well have a duel without some onlookers. And of course a sunset you don't ride off into is a sunset wasted. Love it.
Not sure how I missed this movie when it came out. I think the name "Appaloosa" threw me as being some romantic/children's movie about a horse. After seeing this scene, I immediately sought it out and watched it. Great movie! It's going into my rotation.
@@Elite59 that's the argument for a Weaver stance in shooting. Most now choose a square stance as superior for combat shooting especially if body armor is worn. People don't duel anymore.
@@renaissancestatesman i was trained in the modified Weaver stance where one shoulder is held to the rear of your body. It has two benefits. It reduces your profile even smaller and it was originally designed for a cross dominant person. I am a left handed shooter but right eye dominant
When "Gentlemen" in Europe and the old south dueled some chose the square stance while others chose side stance. The side stance made you a smaller target but if you were hit it would be more likely to be fatal because you would probably lose both lungs. Everyone prayed not to be gut shot because that was no fun at all.
It's realistic too, the guy wasn't a gun fighter by trade and he wasn't on the flat with his target which may have put his aim off. In reality a high position would make for an easier shot as the gun has to rise less before acquiring the target, but the muscle memory would be off kilter.
I usually dont watch too many westerns made after 1960, and I was very sceptical about Appaloosa, especially because of the actors involved, but I gave it a go and was blown away just how good it was, and I have lost count of the number of times I have watched it. Another really good western with Ed Harris is "Riders of the Purple Sage", which is an excellent film.
Interesting that he keeps the pistol trained on him even after he ‘won’ the duel and his enemy falls to the ground, he tracks him all the way. Clearly a man of experience, wasn’t going take the chance that he winged him and he might get shot from the floor, or if he was ‘playing dead’. That’s a pro 👏🏻
As a huge fan of the book series and this movie, whenever I read the books it's Viggo and Ed I hear and see in my head. They were absolutely perfect in these roles. And their subtle friendship and understanding of each other is played so well. If you haven't, read the book series in order, it is tremendous.
In a very subtle way, this movie has a lot to do with the inexorable rise of civilization in the west. Examples would be Allie's unhindered attempts to play the piano, Ed Harris' characters attempt to increase his vocabulary, or a newly arrived chandelier via stagecoach. But notice how Virgil uses a dueling stance from centuries before. A very relevant western.
The white way... and all that implies... What you don't see is as realavant as what you do see. For all their conviences, they robbed us of a better future. Nice clothing and rock candy
@@peterembranch5797 this thing you called civilize is a fine thing. But dont romance it. For every convience... there has been a negative result of it. In this world, everything is of two. Now we have posion in the air, land, and water, plastic in our bodies ..etc. So I ask, is this pretentious or just a an inference, where upon you can derive a hypothesis? What say you
@@danielabilez3619 I say you're a fool and a fantasist, that's what I say. All this stuff about the degradation of the earth is simply not relevant to a Hollywood cowboy film. That's all.
I loved Viggo’s performances in both Appaloosa & Hidalgo. Haven’t seen his other movies yet. Appaloosa is one of the best westerns ever. I love the final scene as Viggo rides off into the setting Sun. Classic western ending.
Turning sideways to the opponent is an old duelist’s technique to make himself a smaller target and also, his vital areas are somewhat protected and harder to hit--the chest, heart, etc. Bragg is, obviously, not a an experienced gun fighter, but Everett Hitch has, on the other hand, seen many firefights.
@@thomasvagenasjr5623 Right. I was trained to shoot a rifle in the old German style. If you have to stand and shoot, you turn horizontally to take your shot to make yourself less of a target.
Notice Viggo's stance when shooting, L stance narrows the target you present while making the sight picture quicker to acquire, Jeremy Iron's stance is square, making yourself a larger target and taking fractions of a second longer to aim and shoot. Which is why Iron's shot hit the ground in front of Viggo and Viggo got him right through the heart.
I see more of the attention to detail with every viewing. Bragg goes down, but Everett does not holster. He recocks, and watches Bragg at the low ready. When he is sure it is over, he immediately tops off his revolver and holsters. Jeremy Irons deserves a big nod as well. He goes from chatting over the piano to dead man walking in seconds. Everyone averts eye contact and he is all alone. He even looks in vain to Virgil for salvation. Only when Virgil backs away does Bragg accept his doom. Bragg knew how to handle a pistol, and ostensibly could have had a fair chance against Everett. He was even in a better position on higher ground. But he was already beaten mentally. Such a great scene!
"Are you going to deal with that body?" "Not my job mate, why are you?" "Not my job either." "Well we can't leave it lying there, it is a trip hazard."
I love Everett at this climax. He takes up position like a fencing duelist, and even steps like one after shooting Bragg. Virgil had military training and probably including saber dueling. Says a lot about his character, that he’s trained in both pistol and sword/saber. He’s a warrior and trained killer.
I wanted to love this movie. The pace is just so slow. I'm reminded that things didn't happen that fast back then. If Ed and Viggo had been directing this...
Not a fan of Westerns at all, but this was a great flick. Harris and Mortensen always pick interesting roles. If I see them in a movie, I'll always take a look. A History of Violence is terrific, too.
Remember this movie was once free on RUclips, saw it, and decided to watch it. Turned out to be a real pleasant surprise. A lot being said without a lot of words. The end was best of all. Hell, Everett actually rode off into the sunset leaving a girl behind. Doesn't get any more western than that.
Its funny that Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen are friends in this movie. In another movie (History Of Violence), they were antagonists and Ed Harris' character nearly killed Viggo if not for Viggo's son who blasted Harris to death.
Gunbelt made by that same leather store on San Fernando Rd LA, that makes all the others ...including mine. Can tell by the buckle and stitching. They've been making them for Hollywood for decades. Small store...and good to work with. Can't remember the name at the moment.
This film was Ed Harris’s baby, and it was grand. Harris treated the Parker story with same kind of love that Selleck did in his Jess Stone series… Viggo was inspired casting…
Why do they always ride off in the early evening? By the look of the suns position, he would have had about an hour's riding before it was dark and he would have to sleep outside with the snakes and scorpions. Better to have slept in a hotel room with the lady who liked him and left in the morning a refreshed man with a smile on his face.
Because its the coolest time of day to ride. Great many cowboys back then started close to sunset, ride through out the night, find a good spot during the day
Little known Western rule of thumb. You ride off into the sunset, because if anyone is chasing you, you're harder to spot against the setting sun. Also, the reason you just described would be why many a posse rounded up to go after you wouldn't be mobilized till the next morning.
Are you silly? He left when he did because he just killed a man. Honestly, if you're afraid to sleep outside with the snakes and scorpions, which are not really dangerous at all, you really need to stay home and let mommy wipe your ass and breastfeed you.
That was a mistake, because back in those days you wanted to keep your revolver on an empty chamber, so that you didn't accidentally shoot yourself in the foot.
@@thecowboy9698 Not true..There is a way to carry fully loaded,safely and it has been forgotten..The "Cowboy load" is a modern tactic and has been mistakenly attributed as an old practice..
@@thecowboy9698 Its simple,,,You let the pin down,between the cartridges..Its much like the mid notches on the old perfusion cap revolvers and is actually,how the old colt style revolvers were intended to be carried..It seems the technique has been lost to all but a few,who were raised with old timers who were versed in the single action and carried them for more than recreation..
Nah, "Unforgiven" is in a class by itself in the revisionist Western genre. This film seems more like a traditional Western toned down and given more subtle dramatic tensions while still playing to some of the cliches.
Havnt seen this movie but im going to now. Always liked viggo ever since i saw him in hildago. That was a great movie also. One of my personal favorites.
![20 Things You Didn't Know About Appaloosa [2008]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EJb5ZtE0u_M/mqdefault.jpg)
![20 Things You Didn't Know About Appaloosa [2008]](/img/tr.png)
Viggo Mortensen’s performance in this movie along with his roles in ‘The Road’ and ‘Eastern Promises’ are class apart !
You think he's good in them? Check him out in "A History of Violence". Rarely broadcast you'll have to seek it out. He is absolutely phenomenal in it.
Eastern promises is great, he is a fucking cop and u don't find that out till over halfway thru the movie. The Road is my favorite movie.
Not really its just his best work to sum, like your self ... Sum lord of the Rings fans may beg to differ.. imo.. Yakuza .. etc they all gud
@@danielfronc4304 agree fantastic film
@@ballbby3775 In A History of Violence you don't find out until three guarters of the way through that his small town calm and kind husband and father is really a retired mafia badass in hiding who screwed over his brother's chance to move up in The Organization by killing or working over a made man. He wants to stay out of the mafia but his brother wants revenge and to kill him. Pretty serious stuff even for a guy who ripped up the face and one eye of his big brother's chief enforcer with a whip of barbed wire. Quite the shocker, "Ritchie". Did I step on the plot twist? Still, you'll love the performances of a big star cast.
Find any old linotype or photograph of a 'shoot out' in the Old West and you'll see Viggo's perfect form in front of you.
Hands down my most favorite 'quick draw' gunfight.
Viggo is one of the best actors out there and a real professional and gentleman.
Always thought of "draw" as being drawn from the holster. The early victorian era and before commonly had duelists begin with pistols in hand. That was a time when gentlemen never openly carried.
@@brianpeck4035 I'd be very interested to know how old West duels went in real life versus the movies.
@@kommisar.Most gunfights took place at point blank range over things like a spilled drink or jealousy. The whole meet me in the street at noon is basically a myth.
@@roberthollingsworth8940 That might have been how most gunfights broke out, but we are talking duels here, which were indeed a real part of cultures all over the world up until the mid-20th century. Pistol duels predate the old West by centuries, so they did in fact have some sort of "meet me at a certain time and place and we'll shoot each other" arrangements.
"This gonna be a long ride, and there's no reason to hurry". Words to live by
I’ve watched Appaloosa many times…I love that scene….and watched it here many times…wish that I could give it more thumbs up..
I never watched the whole thing, only pieces here and there. Did he killed him over a woman?
Its so classical about right and wrong and making the best out of it in world full of rascals.
This scene, by itself, is pretty lacking in just about everything. Boring. Boring. Boring.
this guy is an untouched resource. he has never been appreciated enough for his acting
Pretty sure he has won multiple awards and is world renowned. But okay.
Wdym? He’s world renowned. Ever since the LOTR days, bitch
Yea but I think he was type casted after lord of the rings. He should be in big time movie's
@@FittedInThe798 uhhh what
@@radford2012804 I'm with you. Wtf are any of these people talking about? Eastern Promises, History of Violence, Green Book.......this guy does it all.
Viggo Mortenson is the most underrated actor of his generation.
From ‘Hidalgo’ to ‘Appaloosa’ to ‘Green Book’, he never fails to impress.
You forgot LOTR on those list of films he never fails to impress us with
@@SStupendous, Lord of the Rings was a blockbuster that anyone could’ve done.
The movies cited required acting skills.
@@danieldravot341 Lol what? The acting in LOTR was great.
@@danieldravot341 ANYONE could've made LOTR? If I gave you enough money you wouldn't make anything half as good.
@@SStupendous, the topic is Viggo Mortenson, and the comment was that anyone could’ve done it meaning, for the reading comprehension impaired, that any actor could’ve played the part, and the movie wouldn’t have been changed.
If Eric Bana had played that role, there would’ve been absolutely no difference in the end product.
Do try to keep up. . .
I lived in Santa Fe for quite a while and was there when this movie was being filmed. I also did several events serving drinking chocolate over the years out at that movie ranch where the filming of this movie happened. Fun story: I owned a local Santa Fe chocolate shop at the time and one of the heads of filming came in one day to buy chocolate as it was Viggo’s birthday coming up. Turns out Viggo Loves dark chocolate. One day on a Sunday when the shop is normally closed, Viggo actually came by the shop and I let him in. We spent some time and he bought most of all the chocolate bars I had on hand for sale. He told me that he gives chocolate to cast and crew during filming. Viggo is a true gentleman, quiet spoken and a real nice guy. I was told later by another movie person associated with this movie that Viggo always has chocolate bars on hand somewhere in whatever costume he’s wearing during filming (I had fun with that thought, imagining him as Aragorn with chocolate bars on his person 😊). This was a great interaction with someone I admire who is a great actor.
NOBODY GIVES A FUCK ABOUT YOUR CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE SHOP. PARTICULARLY SINCE IT SHOULD BE CLOSED NOW THANKS TO YOUR PRESIDENT. LOSER.
Nice story
@@crucifyrobinhood lol random 14 years old kid trying to act tuff. Keep trying and waste your time here 😎
@@crucifyrobinhood
Ain't nobody buyin your stinky online cheese, you anti-American, sore-losin,
Punque-ass.
@@crucifyrobinhood Whats wrong with you man? I enjoyed that story
Viggo's pose was the icing of the cake. Pure class.
Right! Something right out of a Frederic Remington painting
Like a fencer ... En Garde! His character was an Academy grad if I recall. Back in the day when there were two academies, the Military Academy and the Naval Academy.
@@Omarrz My exact thought. Now I have to look up the picture(s) where the man has that leaned-back, slightly flexed elbow full-armed shooting stance.
@@Omarrz You're spot on
Thaat is because he has to cock the hammer back with his thumb. The hammer doesn't/won't move BACK so it can be fired with use of the trigger.
It's easier to do by raising the barrel. Also, it's more precise lining up the shot with torso turned, shoulders square to target, the gun/wrist is at an angle to arm and target
Really love how everett wasnt the main protagonist of this movie and can be described as a “sidekick” and given a few lines but in the end he saved his boss’ life and walks off to the sunset. Bout to live a life wherever destiny takes him. Man so cool
You should read the sequel book. More of Everett being awesome.
i think he was a faster draw
@@madchad77 in the books Cole is essentially the fastest draw there is but no one can really describe why or how
Hitch basically says Cole was always as fast as he needed to be
For some reason his acting in Lord of the Rings was bad though.
@@8triagrammer Not his fault. The screenplay for LoTR was dreadful whenever Jackson strayed from the source material, and sadly for Viggo's character, Jackson threw Tolkien's work out the window.
That gunfight, with Viggo in his dualist stance, is one of the most beautiful camera shots in all of cinematic history.
Omg, the most epic depiction of a classic old west dual. What a gem this movie was. I couldn't agree more 🙏🏼💕
I first saw this movie when it came on HBO. I had to own it. So now I do.
@@puppylove126 I mean... It's not bad. Well shot, performed, great music, but there are many great duals in film.
The biggest screw up is that Viggo is standing sideways. That's not particularly honorable. You're supposed to stand straight on and face your opponent.
@@OpenMawProductions NO, that's the old school classic dueling stance. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton duel, one of the most famous Pistol duels of the 1800s. It's the proper way to duel in those times.
That goofy-looking stance is how they did it back then. They didn't use two hands to hold a pistol so there was no need to square up to the target as in a more modern style. The sideways stance gave the bonus of making you a little harder to hit.
An underrated gem of a movie. Some of the almost reluctant banter between Harris and Mortensen is among my favorite onscreen moments.
absolutely
Robert B. Parker always wrote great dialogue.
Such a brilliant cast.
“May I finish my coffee first?”
“You surely may.
Everett Hitch (Viggo Mortensen) carries an 8 Gauge Double Barreled Steve Karnes 1878 Shotgun, referred to only as "The 8 Gauge". To handle the vicious recoil of the massive weapon, Everett has a leather pad sewn into the shoulder of his coat to help absorb it.
Does anyone still make an 8gauge?
@@johnberg6202it’s illegal to hunt with an 8 gauge in the US (and I think a lot of other countries too), so nobody really makes them anymore. You might be able to have one custom made in England or Spain but it would be very expensive and you would have to load your own shells for it.
The slightly smaller 10 gauge is still legal and not too uncommon among goose and turkey hunters.
I love the subtlety with which this scene undermines the fabled "I'm calling you out" shootout trope.
Neither man has their weapon holstered. Everett doesn't do some fancy spin to get his pistol back in the holster. He just slowly, and deliberately reloads the spent chamber. So good.
Jeff: "He just slowly, and deliberately reloads the spent chamber." - Yes that scene is good, but in the real West they never faced off like that. Most got Shot in the Back ! (at least that is what Wild West historians say ! )
@@HartmutJagerArt , that would certainly be easier.
@@jefffalls 🤠 Ha ha ha , it certainly would - and most probably has happened in the REAL Wild West !
I think it was john wesley hardin who said "an enemy shot in the front of their head shows good marksman ship,an enemy shot in the back of the head shows good judgement ".
One of the best things I loved about this move was the detail to the gun play. I think Ed even mentions it in a interview how they wanted to make it as real as they could. Why wouldn't a gunslinger instantly reload his gun after using it? It made no since that these guys would put a half loaded gun back in it's holster.
One of the best westerns ever and two of the best actors in Hollywood! My wife and I watched it for the third time last night.
This is a brilliant film. They went out of their way to get the details right. I can't recall another western film where the gunfighters immediately top off their weapons, even after firing a single shot. Nowadays they call it a "tactical reload."
I thought through out the movie they made a good effort to stay close to time period. Too many westerns dress up the town, dress up the actors, have the focus on quick draw and such. Catching a bad guy in an outhouse is not dramatic, but believable
Next time you watch the movie, notice thst the glass in the window panes have imperfections. In the 1800's they would "blow" a cylinder of glass. Cut it along one side while still molten, then roll it out on a table to cool. Yes, my wife and I are avid equestrians. We look for barbed wire, before it was invented. Zippers on the back of ladies costumes. Wrong bit, wrong saddle for the time period. Not in Appaloosa. Someone went all out to make it accurate.
Start with Robert B. Parker writing the book.....
In the movie "More Dead than Alive", Clint Walker plays a fast gun just released from prison and he joins a shooting show. The young kid resented him joining and kept saying how fast he was and he could beat him. After he shot his targets and was bragging, Clint Walker told him "you'll never be a killer" slapped him around, and took his gun and said, "you never reload after you shoot". Later on in the movie, he the kid kills someone and rides away. He's holding up and someone comes in and I think tries to rob him, but he's really fast, and he gets the draw on the other guy, but when he pulls the trigger, it goes click. He forgot to reload....
@@hdjmiller Don't you just hate it when that happens ? ?
This and Open Range are 2 of the best Westerns of the past 30-odd years. Dances with Wolves is up there in the top 3.
Baskerville22
You need to watch unforgiven
Unforgiven, tombstone, 3:10 to yuma,posse,..
Agreed
Every movie mentioned here and Geronimo: an American legend, and Young guns.
Come on guys, you're forgetting 'Quigley Down Under'!!
Simply one of the best westerns ever. These two men should do many more with the same director etc.
@Frank Ferrara: Ed Harris himself starred & directed Appaloosa.
There are more books in the Appaloosa series so there is more material to work with.
there are a few more books and they all read like screenplays
Yeah but where Hildalgo?
Tv series... I'd watch them.
Probably one of the only truly accurate "shoot-outs" to ever grace a movie screen. Viggo Mortenson is an amazing actor. This, and Eastern Promises are my two favorite Viggo movies.
Not much skill needed to fire a sixshooter that's already unholstered and from such a close range. The Irons character must have been particularly slow an unskilled then.
Is the rest of the film this boring?
@@Nicksonianit’s a western not fast and furious.
@ I have watched and appreciated Westerns for a half century. The Searchers, which is one of the best, is certainly not fast paced. If this one scene is reflective of this entire film, it is a snoozer.
@Nicksonian you sound like you give oral sex to men.
I consider myself a connoisseur of Westerns and this one is an outstanding rendition. Bravo !
@@miamibeachsunnydays8274 that's a tough one. My top three are: 🤠
1. Unforgiving
2. Open Range
3. Appaloosa
There are some honorable mentions though. 🥰
Even though it didn't do all that good at the box office, as far as I'm concerned it was one of the best westerns ever made. Wish it had done better so that they could have made a film from the second book too. Ed Harris and Viggo always seem to work well togethar.
Mekratrig Absolutely, I wish they would have done another book. I've read the whole series except the last book. The writer who took over after Robert Parker died just wasn't as good, I had to really push myself to get through his books. He wasn't bad, but they weren't the same without Mr Parker at the type writer.
Mekratrig what is the name of the second book?
Resolution, followed by Brimstone, followed by Blue-Eyed Devil. Those are all Parker wrote of these characters before he passed.
I completely agree. I really wanted Ed and Viggo to at least do a sequel of the next story. It's almost better than Appaloosa.
My opinion as well ..if I had to choose 5 westerns ..this would certainly make my list ..
Classic film, with stellar performances. And as much as Ed Harris says he’s not particularly interested in westerns he sure made a great one.
-Working this film as 'the Carpenter' (retired sea Captain) building the Sheriff's house, it was truly a pleasurable experience at the old 'Ford Ranch' set, south of Santa Fe NM. Ed and Viggo were both extremely cordial, friendly stars to work with.
Viggo demonstrated, explained the carry weapons, (10 ga chambered as 12 ga)... including his hand made 'Mexican knife, spending time with me after the last scene.. ;}
Exceedingly rare for stars to associate with 'background..
John Travolta (Wild Hogs) was same, very friendly,... very intelligent..
Harris did another very good western in the made for tv version of Riders Of The Purple Sage with his wife, Amy Madigan. Always enjoyed that one.
@@jameshorton7496 I’ve watched it a couple of times and yes it was a good movie.
I'm a true sucker for hand to hand fights in modern films, but something about a good old western duel/shootout builds all the suspense in the right ways. And that silent nod between Mortensen and Harris, a moment to remember!
Every movie Viggo is in, is an instant watch for me. The guy is a fantastic actor and, I hear, is a genuinely good person as well. I'd love to see him as a lead actor in another upcoming A-list movie.
Hidalgo is BRILLIANT.
A history of violence
Just another gem
He is really smart too. He knows 7 languages (I believe).
I adore how reserved Viggos character was to Jeremy's irons character through the entire movie. Until the end.
Viggo Mortensen's* character, Jeremy* Irons' * character ...
The look on Jeremy Irons' face when he comes out to face Viggo is just perfect: Bragg thought he had totally escaped all of his sins and was going to be able to spend the rest of his life in comfort and respectability. In his last moments, he is the picture of a man who's realized his past has caught up with him, and he is about to die.
I didn't see the movie (and am not going to), would you mind giving me tiny explanation as to why the guy shot the other guy?
@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 Jeremy Irons is the villain of the movie; Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris caught him near the end but he managed to get a pardon and escape justice. Ed Harris is a man of the law, so he can't touch Irons and he's flaunting his freedom; he even started up an affair with Ed Harris's love interest. Viggo Mortensen, Helms's deputy, knows there is nothing Helms can do about it. So he resigns as a deputy marshal and picks a fight with Irons so he can kill him in an (illegal) duel.
@@RConnickJr Thank you sir! I very much appreciate it!
@@cluelessbeekeeping1322 It wasnt "illegal" in that day, as long as both men had a firearm.
@@RConnickJr If it wasn't illegal, then what favor was Viggo's character was asking from the lawman played by Harris? Obviously the latter was meant to overlook the crime.
It's both realistic and classic western. Gotta have onlookers. Can't very well have a duel without some onlookers. And of course a sunset you don't ride off into is a sunset wasted. Love it.
Not sure how I missed this movie when it came out. I think the name "Appaloosa" threw me as being some romantic/children's movie about a horse. After seeing this scene, I immediately sought it out and watched it. Great movie! It's going into my rotation.
Same.
That stance. A duelist posed, could have a revolver or a rapier in his hand. Right out of old west illustrations.
I had the exact same thought. Heck of a shout out to historical sources.
I was thinking that he is a smaller target with that stance, while his opponent was a large target...
@@Elite59 that's the argument for a Weaver stance in shooting. Most now choose a square stance as superior for combat shooting especially if body armor is worn. People don't duel anymore.
@@renaissancestatesman i was trained in the modified Weaver stance where one shoulder is held to the rear of your body. It has two benefits. It reduces your profile even smaller and it was originally designed for a cross dominant person. I am a left handed shooter but right eye dominant
When "Gentlemen" in Europe and the old south dueled some chose the square stance while others chose side stance. The side stance made you a smaller target but if you were hit it would be more likely to be fatal because you would probably lose both lungs. Everyone prayed not to be gut shot because that was no fun at all.
Massively underrated movie, absolutely brilliant 👏
The books are good, too.
Viggo what a name what a actor one of my favorites.
Viggo,* what a name,* what an* actor.* One* of my favorites.
Was he a Carpathian? Just asking...
I love the fact that this is filmed, or at least most of the shots, are reminiscent of classic 60s and 70s western shots and visuals
That wide shot at the 4:00 mark is just beautiful. Very Sergio Leone-like.
You have give the bad guy credit. He at least he had the guts to shot it out.
It's realistic too, the guy wasn't a gun fighter by trade and he wasn't on the flat with his target which may have put his aim off. In reality a high position would make for an easier shot as the gun has to rise less before acquiring the target, but the muscle memory would be off kilter.
That stance and reload? Wow. Never thought I would see that in a film today.
I usually dont watch too many westerns made after 1960, and I was very sceptical about Appaloosa, especially because of the actors involved, but I gave it a go and was blown away just how good it was, and I have lost count of the number of times I have watched it. Another really good western with Ed Harris is "Riders of the Purple Sage", which is an excellent film.
Interesting that he keeps the pistol trained on him even after he ‘won’ the duel and his enemy falls to the ground, he tracks him all the way. Clearly a man of experience, wasn’t going take the chance that he winged him and he might get shot from the floor, or if he was ‘playing dead’. That’s a pro 👏🏻
Other than the fact that he only had one bullet. He reloads after.
@@gordonprice695unless I missed that he only loaded 1 bullet in the first place? I would have thought he was simply reloading the one that he shot?
he didn't have one bullet, it's good practice to reload to full as soon as you're surely done because revolver's take time@@gordonprice695
He has at least 5 shots, he is just reloading the one he fired so he has a full gun.
Great scene
Being born in the time of all the great westerns on film, this one and open range are my favorites.
Ed Harris owns every role he does. He makes anything believable
As a huge fan of the book series and this movie, whenever I read the books it's Viggo and Ed I hear and see in my head. They were absolutely perfect in these roles. And their subtle friendship and understanding of each other is played so well. If you haven't, read the book series in order, it is tremendous.
Viggo Mortensen's last lines in this movie are very powerful, they hit hard
In a very subtle way, this movie has a lot to do with the inexorable rise of civilization in the west. Examples would be Allie's unhindered attempts to play the piano, Ed Harris' characters attempt to increase his vocabulary, or a newly arrived chandelier via stagecoach. But notice how Virgil uses a dueling stance from centuries before. A very relevant western.
Oh is that what it is? The "inexorable rise of civilization in the west" eh? Is it possible to be more pretentious?
The white way... and all that implies... What you don't see is as realavant as what you do see. For all their conviences, they robbed us of a better future. Nice clothing and rock candy
@@peterembranch5797 this thing you called civilize is a fine thing. But dont romance it. For every convience... there has been a negative result of it. In this world, everything is of two. Now we have posion in the air, land, and water, plastic in our bodies ..etc. So I ask, is this pretentious or just a an inference, where upon you can derive a hypothesis? What say you
@@danielabilez3619 I say you're a fool and a fantasist, that's what I say. All this stuff about the degradation of the earth is simply not relevant to a Hollywood cowboy film. That's all.
@Michael Cote Thank you but not right now. By that as it may, it is a good movie. Finish the year Strong and stay up
Such a good movie. Absolute heart. A man couldn't ask for a better friend.
Ed Harris and Aragorn are movie gold..such an awesome movie
Viggo is always a treat.
Rare and sooo good!
About a time when friendship had a tremendous value.
Never argue with a man carrying an 8 gauge.
No shit, damn those barrels look huge!
SOUND ADVICE
I loved Viggo’s performances in both Appaloosa & Hidalgo. Haven’t seen his other movies yet.
Appaloosa is one of the best westerns ever. I love the final scene as Viggo rides off into the setting Sun. Classic western ending.
Watch Watern Promises
Eastern !
Should see him as a drill instructor or master chief in "G.I.jane" with demi Moore..
@@MichaelJohnson-dd9yo I did. His classic line in GI Jane was “If i want to know your opinion I’ll tell you what it is. .”
I can't believe I haven't seen this movie but I'm about to.
With his side, old fashioned duel stance. Viggo Mortensen got the acting down to a T.
Wyatt H movie is bad ass
Saw it a hundred times,never gets old.
One turned sideways to make himself less of a target, and the other didn't.
Turning sideways to the opponent is an old duelist’s technique to make himself a smaller target and also, his vital areas are somewhat protected and harder to hit--the chest, heart, etc. Bragg is, obviously, not a an experienced gun fighter, but Everett Hitch has, on the other hand, seen many firefights.
@@thomasvagenasjr5623 Right. I was trained to shoot a rifle in the old German style. If you have to stand and shoot, you turn horizontally to take your shot to make yourself less of a target.
This 4min clip made me go watch the entire movie, and I was not disappointed 😊😊
Lots of movies have personalities. This movie had characters.
The way Viggo poses is just so classic and genuine!
... Viggo ---- beyond brilliant !!! ... did not SCARE EASY ... miss Tom
Amazing! No quick draw. They both know they’re here to shoot , guns out, hammers cocked. No Bull s-hit. Terrific! Favorite movie and characters.
In addition to everything else about this clip, I love the music. Viggo was great in "A History of Violence" too
Notice Viggo's stance when shooting, L stance narrows the target you present while making the sight picture quicker to acquire, Jeremy Iron's stance is square, making yourself a larger target and taking fractions of a second longer to aim and shoot. Which is why Iron's shot hit the ground in front of Viggo and Viggo got him right through the heart.
How is this the same man from Alatriste !? What a an absolute acting monster , the way he plays out his roles in every movie just outstanding.
Nice detail to see Bragg's shot hit the dirt road.
I see more of the attention to detail with every viewing. Bragg goes down, but Everett does not holster. He recocks, and watches Bragg at the low ready. When he is sure it is over, he immediately tops off his revolver and holsters. Jeremy Irons deserves a big nod as well. He goes from chatting over the piano to dead man walking in seconds. Everyone averts eye contact and he is all alone. He even looks in vain to Virgil for salvation. Only when Virgil backs away does Bragg accept his doom.
Bragg knew how to handle a pistol, and ostensibly could have had a fair chance against Everett. He was even in a better position on higher ground. But he was already beaten mentally. Such a great scene!
Yeah Bragg now how good Everett is, he know it is his end
Viggo Mortensen is one of my favorite actors of all time. He is incredible.
"Are you going to deal with that body?"
"Not my job mate, why are you?"
"Not my job either."
"Well we can't leave it lying there, it is a trip hazard."
I'd like to see these two make the rest of the "Cole and Hitch" novels into movies...
These were such great flicks! Deserve a lot more recognition than they got!
0:01 That's me, Norm Lee - on the left sitting on the Couch as Viggo enters. See IMDB for Norm Lee...I was there. It was amazing
That's awesome.
@@SirEpifire 🤗
You want to be menacing ? Don't scream. Speak calmly and without any emotion, as Viggo did.
Ed Harris always a winning part in any film
Viggo Mortensen is very underrated.
One of the best bro code movies ever.
I love Everett at this climax. He takes up position like a fencing duelist, and even steps like one after shooting Bragg. Virgil had military training and probably including saber dueling. Says a lot about his character, that he’s trained in both pistol and sword/saber. He’s a warrior and trained killer.
I wanted to love this movie. The pace is just so slow. I'm reminded that things didn't happen that fast back then. If Ed and Viggo had been directing this...
this is a great movie throughout, if you take it for what it is, and dont come in with your own expectations.
I'm fairly sure Ed Harris did direct this.
you should try the books.....movie's great but it loses something without the narration
Mark, thank you for sharing that story. I've always loved Viggo!
Not a fan of Westerns at all, but this was a great flick. Harris and Mortensen always pick interesting roles. If I see them in a movie, I'll always take a look. A History of Violence is terrific, too.
Great film. The tension I felt at the cinema when I watched this scene was fantastic.
Remember this movie was once free on RUclips, saw it, and decided to watch it. Turned out to be a real pleasant surprise. A lot being said without a lot of words. The end was best of all. Hell, Everett actually rode off into the sunset leaving a girl behind. Doesn't get any more western than that.
My dad and I often discuss how excellent of a case study this movie is about the quiet bond between men who are brothers bound by duty and code.
The music in this scene is simply perfect
I like to think that this is one of Ed Harris' trips to Westworld
Hahaha you funny man
Never heard of this movie but I’m definitely going to find and watch it.
Its funny that Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen are friends in this movie. In another movie (History Of Violence), they were antagonists and Ed Harris' character nearly killed Viggo if not for Viggo's son who blasted Harris to death.
they were brothers actually so...
@@Adamdidit not brothers in either movie.
@@richb7524 you're right. I misremembered who the brother was in history of violence.
@@Adamdidit I just watched that last month...William Hurt was the brother , but I thought miscast. I like to watch Maria Bello in anything...
Love the cowboy riding off into the sunset.
Awesome western, great story, realistic but uplifting in a way unforgiven never was.
Gunbelt made by that same leather store on San Fernando Rd LA, that makes all the others ...including mine. Can tell by the buckle and stitching. They've been making them for Hollywood for decades. Small store...and good to work with. Can't remember the name at the moment.
I love the line after the big shoot out when they are rolling around in the dirt in agony "everybody could shoot!"
Best part of the movie. "Well that happened fast" "Yeah, everyone could shoot." So good.
I could watch it over and over.
Love this movie. Vigo is a badass actor!
One of the best scenes in a western of all time.
This film was Ed Harris’s baby, and it was grand.
Harris treated the Parker story with same kind of love that Selleck did in his Jess Stone series…
Viggo was inspired casting…
Viggo has 5 spoken word albums out.
Slash plays on one of them I believe…
Great casting Viggo is a wonderful actor in a great movie!
Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen play excellent rolls in this great movie.
The Green Book...simply the finest, most honest, well written story and movie I have ever seen...period.
ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE'S..
ESPECIALLY MR.ED HARRIS' 🎭 PERFORMANCE...
MR.VIGGO MORTENSEN SCENES ARE EXTREMELY COOL 😎!!!!!!!
Love this movie, so many twists and turns !!
Like the way he reloads immediately....smart.
Favorite western ever.
Absolutely packed with realistic situations and a spot on storyline that rips your heart out.
Why do they always ride off in the early evening? By the look of the suns position, he would have had about an hour's riding before it was dark and he would have to sleep outside with the snakes and scorpions. Better to have slept in a hotel room with the lady who liked him and left in the morning a refreshed man with a smile on his face.
Because its the coolest time of day to ride. Great many cowboys back then started close to sunset, ride through out the night, find a good spot during the day
Ken Clements because there would be people looking for him. Especially the president's men since Bragg had clout with the president
Little known Western rule of thumb.
You ride off into the sunset, because if anyone is chasing you, you're harder to spot against the setting sun.
Also, the reason you just described would be why many a posse rounded up to go after you wouldn't be mobilized till the next morning.
Metaphor brother, all about the metaphor
Are you silly? He left when he did because he just killed a man. Honestly, if you're afraid to sleep outside with the snakes and scorpions, which are not really dangerous at all, you really need to stay home and let mommy wipe your ass and breastfeed you.
I'm just impressed he was able to carry that 8 guage let alone fire it . Lord that's some firepower
I absolutely loved the stylized stance Viggo took during the shootout.
What I loved the most was he reloaded his gun because he wasn't going to holster a six shooter without all less than all six shells.
That was a mistake, because back in those days you wanted to keep your revolver on an empty chamber, so that you didn't accidentally shoot yourself in the foot.
@@thecowboy9698 Not true..There is a way to carry fully loaded,safely and it has been forgotten..The "Cowboy load" is a modern tactic and has been mistakenly attributed as an old practice..
@@TightwadTodd - Tell me.
@@thecowboy9698 Its simple,,,You let the pin down,between the cartridges..Its much like the mid notches on the old perfusion cap revolvers and is actually,how the old colt style revolvers were intended to be carried..It seems the technique has been lost to all but a few,who were raised with old timers who were versed in the single action and carried them for more than recreation..
@@TightwadTodd you must be 100 years old..
I just realized that the other woman who looked at Mortensen at the end was played by the actress who played the singer in Alatriste
The most underrated western...right below Unforgiven
Nah, "Unforgiven" is in a class by itself in the revisionist Western genre. This film seems more like a traditional Western toned down and given more subtle dramatic tensions while still playing to some of the cliches.
Underrated? The one that won 9 Academy Awards is underrated? How does that work exactly
@@johnemmons8306Sure the industry acknowledged it by giving it awards and accolades but the average Joe shmoe hasn't heard of this movie 😂
Havnt seen this movie but im going to now. Always liked viggo ever since i saw him in hildago. That was a great movie also. One of my personal favorites.