The Shooting (1966): The Criterion Classic Acid Western From Nowhere

How Did The Shooting  Journey from Obscurity to Criterion Classic?The Shooting, a so-called "anti-western" or "acid western," is compelling literally and figuratively.A Criterion classic and a film with, at the time of writing, a 100% critical score on the website Rotten Tomatoes, the movie never had a widespread American theatrical release but survived thanks to its acclaim.Produced by Jack Nicholson and Monte Hellman, the film was financed by the legendary low-budget king Roger Corman.Shot almost exclusively outdoors in natural lighting, the movie was tight on funds but high on drama.A mysterious woman hires two men to take her through the desert. For what purpose? She won't entirely say. As tension builds and things get more complicated, well, all you can do is feel the doom of it all.And as things get fuzzier, perhaps the line between straight narrative and existential pondering builds. And the real mastery here is not overdoing it.Join me for a discussion of Jack Nicholson's turn as a slick gunfighter, the film's murky but satisfying ending, and the movie's lasting legacy.Directed by Monte Hellman. Written by Carole Eastman (credited as Adrien Joyce). Starring Jack Nicholson, Millie Perkins, Will Hutchins, and Warren Oates.Connect with us on Bluesky:@not-ni-theaters.bsky.socialAnd to read more of Will's writing or check out more podcast episodes, you can visit him at: willturntale.com