We don't know about you all, but we're loving "Bronco Billy." One of the problems we imagine you might be having as you watch this is that you are not schooled in the narrative and history that Clint Eastwood is both parodying and extolling. There is a morality at work here—a code that the characters strive for, want, that infuses all the films we've watched. There's something valuable and worth thinking about in this depiction of this rag tag group who support each other, who create a community.
1. Your reaction to the film? And what scene or moment stayed with you—and why?
2. Why is Billy doing what he doing? Why become a "cowboy"? What does he hope to achieve as "Bronco Billy"? And why does this rag tag and devoted group follow him?
3. Antoinette Lily is most likely going to end up with Billy—we get that. But why? It's not as if she is fallen head over heels in love with him—in fact, she won't him kiss her. And they are (or are they) very different. So what's the story here: why would this woman end up with a ex-shoe salesman, fake cowboy who cashes a check for three dollars ("make that five dimes")?
4. How do we know this is a Clint Eastwood movie? And do not say because he's in it.
See you little buckaroos tomorrow.
1. So far I’m not a fan of this film. It is similar to “Unforgiven” in that there is not a single character I can root for. I don’t think that a character I root for has to be morally immaculate, for example I rooted for Chris Kyle in “American Sniper” and he definitely had his flaws. The issue for me is that I can’t find a character that I believe makes the right decisions and/or has the right reasons for doing so. The scene that stayed with me most was right after Antoinette Lilly had been assaulted and she and Billy are laying in the bed. Billy tries to kiss her and she turns away, this scene, I believe, is supposed to be seen as romantic. However, it disgusted me. I felt like Bronco Billy was taking advantage of Antoinette Lilly rather than attempting to sooth her.
ReplyDelete2. I think it isn’t the specifics of his life that he loves, the shooting and the cattle, but rather the freedom that comes with it. Billy has no boss and no longer spends all day on his knees helping people pick out shoes. I believe that his posse has similar motivation; they’re not in it for the money but rather the freedom that comes with living on the road.
3. I think that Antoinette Lilly and Bronco Billy complement each other nicely. Both are very used to barking orders and having others follow. Two people with such similar and dominant personalities are bound to but heads. Antoinette Lilly cares too much about money, and Billy does not seem to care at all. The two opposites, in my opinion will balance out nicely to create, hopefully, a well-run and financially beneficial Wild West Show.
4. The main character in this movie, Bronco Billy, is very similar to Chris Kyle. Though Bronco Billy is the toy Chris Kyle both are excellent in what they do and loyal to a fault. Bronco Billy and Chris Kyle both put their crew before themselves, which at times leads to grave self-sacrifices. This is a theme in many of Eastwood’s movie, Ned could have easily left Eastwood’s character while he was sick in Unforgiven but he stays.
ReplyDelete1 I am not sure as to what to think about the movie, quite honestly. I want to like it, but something is confusing me. It may just be due to the fact that I don't know the narrative, as was state in the blog, but I just feel like I'm lost in the story. The one scene that really stuck with me was the scene with the step-dad of Antoinette and her mom talking about how Antoinette got "murdered." It's hard to watch this scene without hating them. They are talking about her supposed murder so lightly. It's like they want her to die so the mom can get all the money. That's also a reason why her husband wanted to marry her. He didn't even like her fully, it seemed. It doesn't seem like her loss isn't much. As he mother said, I believe, "Antoinette would want me to have the money." It's just so bothersome, that's why this scene has stuck with me
2 Billy is doing what he's doing because he didn't like the entire life he had in the city. He wanted to be a cowboy, but I feel like deep inside there was something about the city life that had bothered him. Possibly something happened in the city that caused him to not want to live that life anymore. I'm not fully sure as to what Bronco Billy wants to achieve but I feel like he wants a better life for himself and his "rag tag" team. They have all gone to jail, except Antoinette, so they know what it's like to be in a very low place. They could possibly be there to support each other, knowing that someone with similar experiences is there to help you through life.
3 I feel like the way Antoinette has changed while being with billy shows that they are most likely going to end up together. At the start she was very hard, didn't care about anyone only money, but now she's softened up a bit, letting billy hold her in his arms in bed. They butted heads at the start but slowly they are opening up to each other building a bond. They are very different on the surface, but I feel like underneath they have very similar backgrounds. Though we don't know much about them, yet, I just have a hunch that we will see a similarity in their stories. I feel like those reasons stated above are the reasons why Antoinette and Billy will end up together.
4 I'm quite confused as to how exactly this is a Clint Eastwood film. But here's my guess. I think what makes it a Clint Eastwood movie is the fact that its slight emphasis on violence. There has been a fight scene and a terrible rape scene so just there we have two forms of violence. Also some the people's charges for being sent to jail are violence charges. Such as Billy shooting his wife, and not his friend. That's the only outstanding reason as to why I can see it being a Clint Eastwood movie. Maybe I'll be able to see more as I get to see the rest tomorrow
~Nick
ReplyDelete1) I am pretty indifferent on this movie. It’s fine – entertaining, I guess, - but nothing special in my eyes. But I think what’s most impressive about this movie is the versatility it shows in Eastwood’s movie-making ability. Having seen the previous handful of Eastwood movies, I would never have guessed he could pull off this “rom-com.” I love the scene when he pulls over in the middle of the pouring rain in order to confront the request for more payment. It showed a great deal of charisma and motivating ability.
2) I actually think his charisma has quite a bit to do with what he’s doing and why he has such a cult following. Until his conversation with Lily about his past, I think most of us had assumed that he grew up a “cowboy.” He talked about his difficult childhood, and I think that too has a huge impact on what he does. He mentioned to the group that he doesn’t do what he does for the money, but for the smiles he sees on the kids’ faces when he does it. They also play for the orphanage every year for no cost, simply for the entertainment of struggling children. So, yes, he lives the fun, rag-tag “cowboy” life, but I think what he’s doing stems from a more profound motivation.
3) I think she sees what we see at first: a weird, immature cowboy stuck in a false persona. But what she’s discovering – as are we – is exactly what I mentioned above: he has a deeper impact and deeper intentions than making money or fulfilling his own personal hobby. She sees the kids, she sees the leadership and positivity, and is starting to see him a much different light. I think they are pretty different, but I think that’s exactly what she’s looking for. She was resistant to that difference at first, but is now realizing that having that change in her life might be good for her (I would agree).
4) It has that traditional masculine character. It has a surprisingly moral twist. It has plenty of liquor. And most importantly, the hand-gun signal. I also think it’s important to note the selflessness that his male protagonist (even hero?) shows in each of his films – from Chris Kyle to Ira to Walt. Sure, it isn’t the Eastwood movies we’ve come to expect, but it has many of the same trademark characteristics.
1.I do not like this movie. I don't find it entertaining because I don't feel like there is a real plot. I know I am a person who can enjoy a stupid movie, but this one just bores me. I can tell the future, the characters aren't particularly interesting, and as I said the movie has a very weak plot. The scene that has stuck with me is when Bronco Billy throws the knife and the knife hits the girls leg. I can't imagine how embarrassing that would be. I was also thinking that if this movie had the use of social media in it, Bronco Billy's circus would be out of business in no time because of all the bad performances.
ReplyDelete2.I believe that Bronco Bill is being a cowboy because he is true to himself and takes chances. As he said he always wanted to be a cowboy. So, he became one. For this I respect his character. I think that Bronco Billy likes the respect that he gets, the love from the kids he performs for, and that he is his own boss. I don't see Bronco Billy working for someone else. I think that Bronco Billy is trying to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a cowboy. I think the group follows him because they like him, and he probably helped them somewhere along the road, and they may feel like they owe it to him. We already know he helped that one guy who got thrown in jail.
3.Lily is going to end up with Billy because it is what the viewers want to see. Also, since Billy is so nice to her, houses her, forgives her, and is kind I feel that there is no way they aren't going to get together. At the same time though, I wouldn't get with her if she treated me the way she treats Bronco Billy. I think for the most part they are very different. Lily is mean, unforgiving, snotty, arrogant, and heartless. Billy is kind, brave, forgiving, thankful, doesn't freak out when things turn bad, and is a good friend. The only thing that they have in common is that they are both good shooters. I found that scene very interesting. As I said I believe Lily is going to end up with Bronco because Bronco is obviously a good guy even if he is a fake cowboy. He makes people happy. Also, even though Lily seems to be heartless it does seem that she didn't get enough love as a kid as the rope swinging guy said. I think that by seeing Bronco Billy interacting with all the orphanage kids she begins to like him.
4.This is a Clint Eastwood movie because there is drinking, smoking, tragedy, finger guns, and fighting. Also, he makes the viewers second guess weather the "good guy" is actually a good guy.
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ReplyDelete1. I really like this movie! This is one of my favorite movies that we have seen so far for one reason -- its funny. It is a big relief to not have to worry about all the characters like I have in every other film, especially in 'Mystic River'. It seems that all of the characters are in a pretty good spot with a bright future, except for the man in jail who i'm pretty sure will end up ok. My favorite scene so far is the one in the beginning when Eastwood was very confident he was going to make his knife throw and he whiffed. I thought that was pretty funny and it shows how enthusiastic and confident he is about his work.
ReplyDelete2. Billy is doing this because this is the lifestyle he has always wanted. He doesn't belong in a big city and he knows this himself so he does whatever he can to live the cowboy life that's in his heart. I think that his posse follows him because he has a very motivational personality and I think that most of them are on the road because they are misfits who don't fit in, similar to Billy himself. One boy mentions how Billy is basically his dad and all his real dad ever did was beat him.
3. I don't like her at all and I don't think that she deserves Billy, but her personality is changing and I think that he is bringing out the child in her. She seems to be pretty open and honest about herself when she is around Billy, and I think that is a good quality for a couple to have. As she says in the beginning of the movie, she simply wants to marry because she is reaching the wretched old age of 30. I think that by the end of this movie Billy and her will fall in love and Antoinette will know how it feels to truly be in love with a man instead of using him for his money.
4. We know this is a clint Eastwood movie because it is a good western with violence. This movie has very little in common with his other flicks that we've seen so far, but one big trait that it shares is the emotionally problematic main character. Billy seems to be very funny and easy going, but as we've seen a couple of times he has an underlying anger issue. Similar to Walt in Gran Tarino, Billy seems to become very enraged very quickly, and this complicates a lot of his relationships in the movie.
1. I actually really like this movie. For me, it is a nice change of pace from all of the depressing serious movies we have watched. I have really enjoyed the humor in this movie. It's nice to see that other side of Clint. Even though some people have said that they don't like any of the characters in the movie, I really like Bronco Billy and I am beginning to like Antoinette Lilly as the movie progresses. The moment that sticks with me the most is the scene where Bronco Billy meets with the Sheriff to try and bribe him. In all of the Clint Eastwood movies we have watched so far, Bronco Billy probably would have stood up for himself and solved the situation by proving that he was the faster draw and shooting the guy. It was interesting to see Clint's character think things through and fight the temptation to shoot him, knowing that it was not a good decision to kill a Sheriff.
ReplyDelete2. In my opinion, Bronco Billy does what he does for two reasons. I think the first reason is because of all the kids he brings joy to. He talks about the "little partners" a lot, especially when he is trying to motivate people on his team and he also proves he does really care about the kids when he goes to the orphanage, which they say he does every year for free. He is also really nice to the kids he finds checking out his car. The other reason that I think he does it is to get away from his past life and the city. He said that he grew up in a small apartment in New Jersey and that he could only see Cowboys or anything outside of the city at movies. He also seems to really like looking at the natural world and swore that he would never go back into a big city. Additionally, I think part of him wants to escape his past with his wife and jail time by having a job where he would not have to deal with that and travel a lot. He also surrounds himself with other convicts who are probably in similar situations that he is in. I think that is part of the reason the group sticks with him besides the fact that he is a great leader and is very loyal to his friends. I think they stay because it would probably be pretty hard for them to find other jobs since they are all convicts, and they can avoid confronting their past by being on the road a lot.
3. I think that Antoinette Lilly is beginning to really like Bronco Billy and that they are going to eventually going to end up together because of how authoritarian they both are. To me, both of them seem to have never really met someone that argues with them that much. Each of them get very frustrated with each other being really alpha, but I actually think they really like that in each other. Since it is a quality they both posses, they probably appreciate it in each other. In my opinion, they are more similar than different. My evidence of that is how when Bronco Billy told her his story, she seemed to be a little more comfortable and understanding with him and even let him hold her.
4. I can tell that this is a Clint Eastwood film because of the content it shows and how it portrays it. In all of the movies we have watched there has been a deeper meaning to them and they seem to be a commentary on certain things. This movie seems to have a similar narrative in the way that it kind of makes fun of the traditional cowboy "Clint Eastwood" type character. It obviously not a coincidence that he made this movie as a corny portrayal of the "American Hero" and then made the serious commentary of it ten years later in Unforgiven. The other thing that makes this a Clint Eastwood film is his iconic stare and grumpy growl, which in this movie, are really funny instead of intimidating or thought provoking.
1- I like the movie so far the characters are fun to watch (although too stereotypical for my taste) and the story is interesting. The scene that has stuck with me the most is the scene where the Sherrif calls Bronco-Billy nothing after Billy doesn't fight. This scene stuck to me because of how it contrasts the brave and heroic cowboy and portrays him like a "coward" but in actuality shows a realistic version of how a normal person would have handled that confrontation with the Sheriff.
ReplyDelete2- Billy said it himself he grew up always wanting to be a cowboy. Billy idealizes Cowboys and the culture surrounding their behavior. He wants to achieve his dream of being a real life iconic cowboy. Of course if he loves the group he's with because they are his family now. His wife left him and from what the movie has shown me his wife was all Billy had. So he started over with a new family that he has grown to love.
3- Antoinette has not come from a family of love, this fact was pointed out by her reaction to the deserter (forgetting his name) say that he thinks that she wasn't loved as a child. So the fact that Billy is treating her relatively well (especially for the way she treats him) is making her see something in people that she has t seen before. She said to Billy that all people are animals and Billy is showing her that that is because she has the wrong approach to life. She's cold and bitter and pessimistic and refuses to love anyone. Billy is showing her what a caring family is like and also showing her compassion and love (not only for her but for the children he works for at the orphanages). Billy is making Antoinette see another side of life that she never has seen before this is making her grow attached to him for that reason. He might be a wanna be cowboy with anger issues and self image problems but he sees life with a happy hopeful side which makes Antoinette love being around him.
5- a parallel I noticed is the parallel of the false image of a cowboy. How Billy glorifies cowboys but he given the harsh reality by Antoinette and the Sherriff that Cowboys are not what they are all hyped up to be. This is also seen in Unforgiven how Eastwood shows Will as an old Cowboys with lots of crazy stories about his success at being a stereo typical cowboy yet the movies shows us that being a cowboy is darker than what pre-conceive notions of being a cowboy was. Besides that parallel I have been struggling to see how this movie can be tied in with other Eastwood movies.
I love this movie. I think it’s lighthearted and hilarious. It’s definitely completely different than any of the other Eastwood films we've watched so far in the class. I find the characters in the picture to be very likable, especially Bronco Billy and Doc. The scene that really stuck with me was the tent fire. Obviously, people come to the shows to see Bronco Billy. However, I was very surprised that someone grew so impatient that they set off a firecracker in the middle of a big crowd.
ReplyDeleteI think that Billy does what he does for two reasons. The first being that he grew tired of living a monotonous and unrewarding life in New Jersey as a shoe salesman and the second being that he wants to have an impact on those around him. By no means is Billy a perfect guy, but he has a good heart and good intentions. Little kids look up to him and the people he works with really respect him. His employees follow him because they believe that he always has their best interest at heart and will do anything for them. We see this when he saves Antoinette Lily and when he gives up all of his money in exchange for his wrangler.
I think the main reason Antoinette Lily and Bronco Billy are compatible is how different they are from one another. Many often say that opposites attract and this is exactly the case with the pair. On top of that, Billy is completely different than her husband in the sense that he could not care less about her wealth. Antoinette Lily’s husband was with her for her money and looks and was forced to put up with her painful attitude. On the other hand, Billy treats her exactly as he would treat one of the other members of the crew. Through her time with Billy, Antoinette has learned to appreciate fun. We see this when she decides to help the others in their comic attempt to rob a train.
The theme of heroism makes it clear that this is an Eastwood movie. Bronco Billy is a hero to many. His employees look up to him. Little kids across the country idolize him. Even more importantly is the fact that he lives his life to make others happy. If that doesn’t make someone a hero, then I’m not sure what does.
When John was describing this movie to us, I did not expect to enjoy it. Clint Eastwood in a comedy? In fact, all the movies we’ve seen so far are the antitheses of a comedy. Some of the films, like Gran Torino, have laughable moments but are not funny movies. I found bank scene very peculiar. I thought that scene would be a major turning point in the plot, but it is never brought up again. It was a simply a publicity stunt. For goodness sake, Bronco Billy kills a man, and there is not mention of it afterward. I know Bronco Billy shots the holsters off one robber, but it looks like he kills the other, and he feels no remorse. I could be wrong, he may have just winged the guy, like his wife.
ReplyDeleteWhen some men reach the middle of their life they pick up a new hobby. Some men take up golf, buy a nice car, or become a cowboy. Billy was a shoe salesman in New Jersey before he became Bronco Billy. He shot his wife, did his time, and came out a cowboy. Like John said in class, Eastwood is poking fun at the typical role he plays. He spent many years in prison with part of his gang, and Billy offered salvation to the other half of the gang. They all respect Billy, and it seems like they all owe him something too. They all know he will do everything in his power to protect them, and in return they give him loyalty.
Antoinette and Billy both have big personalities, and that is why they clash at first. Antoinette is used to getting her way, and she is appalled when someone tries to challenge her. At the same time I think Antoinette admires Billy’s confidence. Her last husband seems like a vulnerable guy, but Billy seems like he has it all figured out. He may not have it all figured out, but his gang leans on him in times of distress. Billy is a very charismatic guy.
Is Bronco Billy a hero? What makes him a hero? This theme appears in almost all of Eastwood’s movies. Billy goes to orphanages to cheer up the young kids and he provides jobs for people who need it. Billy is a selfless character. He even bails out his buddy the deserter. Billy really does put other people’s need above his own, and we agreed in class last week that selflessness is a quality that heros possess.
So far, I've had no strong reaction to the film one way or the other. Granted, the scene with Bronco Billy and Sheriff Dix was pretty intense. I think this scene stuck with me because I wasn't expecting Bronco Billy to back down the way he did. Based off of the way he portrayed himself throughout the movie up to this point, I was expecting him to at least attempt to outdraw the sheriff. The last thing I expected was for him to admit that he wasn't the fastest draw in the West. Eastwood has a habit of doing that—leading you to think one thing just so he can do the exact opposite when you least expect it.
ReplyDeleteBy becoming a "cowboy", I think Billy hopes to achieve what he never thought he could. Growing up in New Jersey, I don't think he ever thought that he'd see the west, let alone travel it as a "cowboy" named Bronco Billy. Being in the show and being Bronco Billy allows him to become someone else, someone he wishes he was. His group follows him because they believe the same thing. Outside of the tent they may be a rag tag group of friends, but inside the tent they can be whoever they want to be. By doing this, Billy knows that he's making himself and others happy. That's why he does what he does.
Antoinette is going to end up with Billy because, as corny as it sounds, they complete each other. Antoinette thinks life is boring and doesn't know how to enjoy herself and be herself. Bronco Billy on the other hand needs to learn that sometimes it's okay to change the plan. Throughout the movie we see that Billy doesn't like it when someone or something interferes with his plans for his show. Even the smallest things—like Antoinette changing her lines—irritate him. Antoinette doesn't know that it's okay to cry and express your emotions. They can both teach each other important life lessons, and that's why they belong together.
We know this is a Clint Eastwood movie because of the commentary he's making on other cowboy movies. In a way he's making fun of the way westerns glorify what being a cowboy is like.
So far I really enjoyed watching Bronco Billy. Compared to the other movies we've watched in class this movie is not dark or depressing and it doesn't look like it'll have a sad ending. I think that this movie is definitely one of my favorites that we've watched because there are lots of jokes and funny moments, unlike the other movies. A moment that stuck with me was when Billy was mad at Antoinette Lily after she didn't say the exact lines they went over, and they were back in the dressing room. I honestly was expecting for Billy to hit her because the other movies we've watched there was a lot of violence and there was none in this film, I was kind of expecting it to happen.
ReplyDeleteI think Billy does what he does because he felt he wasn't really happy doing what he did in New Jersey, he wanted to do something he was good at, that made him happy, and had a positive impact on people around him too. Being "Bronco Billy" is a way for him to make a name for himself and be well known, because he never really made a name for himself in New Jersey. Billy also likes to entertain children, he does some of those shows for free for the children. I think he rounded up the group because he saw parts of himself within each of his group members.
I think it goes against what a typical Clint Eastwood movie is, it seems as if it'll have a happy ending. She'll end up with him because that's just what happens in most movies, most movies have happy endings, they find "true love" even though that's not what it is. She has changed throughout the movie. At first she was very uptight, annoying, mad and found the negative in everything. As the movie progresses she seems to be a little bit more happy and not as negative, and she figures that Bronco Billy is the best that she'll end up with.
One of the biggest things is that in all but one movie, I think, had some finger pistol sequences. Clint Eastwood just loves the finger gun shot. Also in his movies there is a hero, and Bronco Billy certainly fills the hero spot.
1. I'm enjoying "Bronco Billy" so far. It's predictability is a bit frustrating at certain points of the movie but I do think it is a good movie. It definitely has its funny moments, but there are also parts of the film that are more serious such as Antoinette's mother and husband faking her death in order to receive money, and the sexual assault of Antoinette. These scenes plus a few others make this movie not simply fluff. The scene that stayed with me was when the tent burned down. The burning of the tent was just because of the actions of a stupid kid, but it is something that could ruin the lives of all of the people working for the show.
ReplyDelete2. Billy used to be a shoe salesman and one day he caught his wife sleeping with his best friend. I think he wanted to escape the life he was living and that's why he chose to become a "cowboy", inhibiting an idea that no longer existed. He idolized cowboys when he was younger and when he grew up he decided to get away from the life in a city and fulfill his childhood dreams. He was able to create a new identity for himself and put his past behind him. I don't think he wants to get anything out of this job. He is working with the Wild West show because that is what he wants to do. It makes him happy to entertain others. As one of the nuns points out to Antoinette Lilly at the orphanage, he didn't get paid for that gig, it was a completely selfless act. I think this group follows him because Billy is very much a father figure to everyone in the group. He will help out those that are in difficult positions and cares deeply about everyone he works with. They also all have very similar backgrounds, they're all convicts, so everyone the group knows what the other members have been through.
3. B illy is very different from all of the other people that Antoinette Lily knows. For the majority of her life she has been surrounded by very selfish cold people that only do things for their own personal gain. She has grown used to these people and when she ends up with Bronco Billy and his gang there is something refreshing to her about selfless people. During the scene at the orphanage where Antoinette finds that he isn't getting paid I think brought a big change in her point of view. Billy doesn't do what he does in order to make money, he does it because it makes him and others happy and I think Antoinette really admires this view. I think that the sense of community that this group has would also be something very different to as she is a person that tends to push people away.
4. Something that shows up in this movie that shows up in some of Clint's other movies is the idea of heroism. Bronco Bill seems to be a hero to those around him and yet I don't think he would consider himself a hero. Another thing that shows up in this movie that shows up in mystic river is the way the Legal system works. It is shown as corrupt and untrustworthy in both Mystic River and Bronco Billy. In Bronco Billy one policeman takes bribes and others beat up a man for being a deserter while in mystic river we see a detective choose to look away from murders in order to stay true to an old friend. Above themes, something else that Clint seems to incorporate into his films is that they are not just about the characters on the screen, they hold stories that can apply to more than just the film. His movies have a sense of purpose to them.
So far I have mixed feelings about the movie. It's kind of like how someone can think a movie is very funny, but overall think the movie is sub-par. That's how I feel. I think that it is very funny. I think that Ms. Lilly is very funny, because she is basically everything that bronco billy is looking for as an assistant but he doesn't like her very much in the beginning. I think that it was pretty predictable that they were going to be close after the first time he saw her. He wouldn't put her in the film like that if it meant he would never see her again. I also think the man who is Scatman Crothers is funny. It is also kind of strange that race isn't brought up at all with him. Racism was very prominent in that time. He hasn't been racially segregated at all. That isn't a theme in Clint Eastwoods movie at all. It's interesting that he had the opportunities but didn't take them.
ReplyDeleteI think that Bronco Billy could have become a cowboy because he maybe wanted to be one when he was a little kid, but his childhood was really rough, so he never had the opportunity to. I think one reason why he is so quick witted and immature is because he didn't have a good childhood and he is kind of acting like a kid. One reason that he is being so kind and generous to the children that admire him, is also due to his rough childhood, like he explained to Ms. Lilly. He feels like the children shouldn't grow up like he did and that they deserves something better then he had. This two things contradict each other. It is weird that someone who is mildly immature would be so gracious.
Maybe it could be that he shows value in the tiny things, and that he is very faithful to his Wild West show. She also saw that he doesn't only like money, and spending a lot of it. She could see that he values the small things in life, like friendship and loyalty. The loyalty that he shows to his crew or Wild West show amusers is very interesting, because in his movies loyalty is a big theme. He showed loyalty to his friend in unforgiven, and he showed the loyalty between Chris Kyle and the army. He never wanted to desert them until his mission was complete.
I think the drinking, violence and a strong male character make this a Clint Eastwood movie, but Bronco billy isn't the one always doing these things. He doesn't drink a lot in this (have we seen him drink at all?) he is very masculine (he's a Cowboys and that is one of the most masculine things you can do) and he shoots people. Those things make this film a Clint Eastwood movie.
So far, I actually enjoy this movie. Although it’s a bit corny and ridiculous at times, it’s certainly a lot funnier than anything else we’ve seen. I do think it’s a bit formulaic, but I can root for the characters and I feel like it’s not quite a dramatic Oscar-worthy production, so I’m sufficiently engrossed without being too hung up on the poorly-done parts. The scene that stuck with me the most was probably the near-rape scene— It was extremely brutal and horrific, especially following the cheesy, fun bar fight scene and the romantic dancing scene that preceded it. I felt legitimately scared for the female lead, and it made me feel a fear that helped me relate to her in the awful situation.
ReplyDeleteI think Bronco Billy is doing this cowboy schtick for a few reasons. For one thing, he clearly loves bringing joy to others, especially young children who see him as a hero; this is exemplified in the scene where he and his team visit the orphanage free of charge. Secondly, Billy seems like he legitimately likes his job and has always wanted to be a cowboy— He may never be an actual cowboy, but this is about as close as he can get to the John Wayne, classic style Western film cowboy without breaking any laws. Finally, I get the feeling Billy is running from something. It sounds like he really hated how mundane city life and his repetitive shoe salesman job were, and the ‘Wild West’ thing he’s got going on now is about as far as he can get from a New York vibe. Billy is definitely an escapist; although he has good reasons for doing what he does, I think it’s also in part due to a fantasy world he lives in where cowboys still roam.
I think that the movie is trying to show that being with Billy and his crew is really bringing out the ‘real’ Antoinette. She seems to have a lot more fun and open up while she’s letting herself be swept up in the raucous jobs of the performers. Billy is a very kind man, and despite his anger issues and other flaws, he’s almost always making a concerted effort to display kindness and hospitality to the cold-shelled exterior of Antoinette. The reason I say Billy brings out the real Antoinette is that she seems like something of a product of her upbringing. From what we’ve seen of her mother and family, they’re really just awful people, and just imagining being raised by folks like that is really an ugly idea. Antoinette grew up with a mother who cares more about money than her daughter’s life, and that couldn’t have been a welcoming or nurturing environment, and certainly not one that would produce a socially healthy woman.
This is definitely a Clint Eastwood film; although it’s hard to see on the surface, it shares a lot of themes and conflicts with his other movies. For instance, the character of Bronco Billy is something of a self-aware parody. Billy seems to be trying to embody a character like the Man With No Name, but really, he’s an exceedingly kind, rather bumbling escapist. Clint definitely brings up the issue of manhood and a person’s place in society here as well, with a lot of discussion and subtext on whether the whole cowboy thing is a legitimate enterprise or just a childish fantasy. There’s also commentary on violence here: For one thing, Billy explicitly says to the orphans, “You should never kill a man unless it’s absolutely necessary.’ I thought of that line as something of a summary on Clint’s views of violence.
1. Contrary to what might be expected, I really enjoy the movie so far. The purpose of a movie is for entertainment, and although the story might be weak, and the acting might not be the best, and the characters might be insufferable, I am still entertained. The scene that's stayed with me the most is the scene where Bronco Billy beats up the men who were assaulting Ms. Lily. That, along with the scene at the orphanage, show me that Billy really does care, and has a good heart.
ReplyDelete2. He becomes a cowboy because growing up, as we learned, he was the opposite. Not by choice, but he grew up in a city, in New Jersey. He says that he never saw grass, and the only exposure to cowboys that he had was when he scraped 25 cents together and saw a movie about them. Now, he hopes to bring the cowboy to those like him, who wouldn't be exposed to one without him. We see this when he preforms for free at the orphanage. His friends are loners, similar to him. They depend on the traveling show to support them, and in return, they support the show. Everyone does their own part, and the cogs keep turning, and the operation keeps moving. They follow Billy because he's a natural leader. He's driven, inspirational, and he gets the job done. Usually, people are attracted to that sort of person.
3. As I previously mentioned, some people are attracted to the badass character that Clint Eastwood plays. Clearly, Ms. Lily is one of them. Also, you know what they say: Opposites attract! They are very clearly opposites. She's a wealthy, disrespectful, entitled, and selfish heiress, and Billy is the opposite. He's poor, respectful, humble, honest, and giving. he preforms for free to those less fortunate than him, and he takes care of his own like no one else. Hess incredibly supportive, and Ms. Lily clearly needs support after the way that her family and husband have treated her.
4. The main character is one of a classic Eastwood movie. We have the bad ass, strong, yet caring male character. He is a great shot, and doesn't hesitate to bring out the guns. He drinks, like most of them, and he's naturally violent. When the robbers show up, or those men are harassing Ms. Lily, Billy goes straight to violence. Given, I think he had every right to do so, but it's interesting that no second thought was given. Also, even though the movie isn't over yet, I expect to see a plot that is very similar to many Eastwood movies, and western movies in general.
1. This movie is very entertaining so far and fun to watch. I enjoy seeing the lighter side of Eastwood, even though the humor is very strange. I really enjoy how outrages the plot of this movie is, the idea of a man from New Jersey totally turning his life around is kind of inspiring. The bar scene really stuck with me because of the sheer amount of kind of mindless violence going on. It was ridiculous and funny because everyone was fighting everyone for no reason and then old ladies would jump in. It reminded me of how tough and hardy westerners are portrayed in movies. After that of course, was the near rape scene. It did not surprise me when Clint Eastwood came in to save her because every man has to do something heroic in a Clint Eastwood movie. The fact that the incident was never discussed further was odd. The way that everyone bounced back from everything was kind of cartoonish in a way to me. Another very ridiculous scene for me was the train robbery.
ReplyDelete2.He became a cowboy because he had wanted to his whole life. The idea of doing whatever you want is kind of inspiring and very indicative of the mindset of the old west when cowboys existed. At first, it kind of ruined Bronco Billy for me that he was from New Jersey, but after thinking I liked him more because he was doing what was making him happy. I really don't know what Bronco Billy is trying to achieve with his whole cowboy lifestyle. Other than doing what he wants he obviously doesn't care that much about the money. I really can't read if he is doing all this to inspire kids or give them advice because he is such a complex character. His group follows him mostly because of their past experiences together. I keep forgetting they all met in prison and probably do not have too many means of employment or income. Maybe they are trapped with Bronco Billy because of their choices.
3. The character of Antoinette Lilly is a complete opposite of Bronco Billy. She is attracted to Bronco Billy but she doesn't want to be, he is so otherwordly and thinks so differently that she doesn't know why she has these feelings. Finally, after a talk with running water, she realizes she has to do what her heart desires and take a chance. She buys into Bronco Billy's way of thinking and realizes how they are not so different.
4. The main character is a classic, he is a strong, rugged badass type of guy. BUt he also has a complex inner issue eating at him.He is human after all and he has a conscience. His quickness to use violence and rage is also a tip off to me. We can see when he shoots the bank robbers or when he beats up the men harassing Lilly. He is a protector much like Chris Kyle or Sean Penn's character in Mystic River. But also, His rage takes over when he slams his hands on the steering wheel while driving when Doc asks for pay and when Antoinette Lilly talks back to him.
1. I have really enjoyed the movie for far, I have seen it many times and each time something new stands out. I also like the whole idea of the movie, one of Americas heroes. The scene that sticks with me every time I watch this movie is when Chris Kyle shoots the young boy and his mother. Just the fact that he had to shoot such a young boy for his very first human kill has to be so damaging to his belief and what keeps him going everyday.
ReplyDelete2. I take side with the gentleman who is stating that it is not a black and white film and that it is not just about this Chris Kyle war man who does not give a fuck about anything or anyone. Also it frustrates me that the main guy thinks that he knows what it's like to be 200 yds away and looking through a scope. He says that Chris has no idea what he is looking at where if you are a sniper a 200 yd shot is a walk in the park and you know exactly what you are looking at.
3. Chris and his wife are as of now the only character who we truly know, I believe that Chris is a hero, without the work that he did as a sniper over watching the men on the ground and making them feel protected was amazing. There is a reason that he is known unlike many other military men. I don't that he is a racist but that he does not like the people who are killing his brothers. Also that he wants nothing more to help them and make sure that his family is going to be ok. I like Chris and I do believe that he is a hero.