Cowboys & Aliens: When the Wild West Met the Outer Limits
Imagine a film that’s a blend of Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” and the “Predator” franchise, directed by Jon Favreau. That’s essentially what you get with “Cowboys & Aliens,” a wild ride that’s surprisingly grounded in classic Western tropes.
The movie opens with a blue-eyed stranger (Daniel Craig, looking rugged) waking up in the middle of the desert. He’s got a mysterious metal bracelet clamped to his wrist and a fresh knife wound. After acquiring a horse and a stray dog, he makes his way to the nearest town, only to be quickly thrown in jail. To complicate matters, he has amnesia, and strange objects are appearing in the night sky.
A Spielbergian Mashup
The premise – a Western invaded by flying saucers, monsters, and intergalactic goo – sounds like something straight out of Steven Spielberg’s imagination. While many summer blockbusters aimed at younger audiences can feel like a mental drain, Spielberg’s productions often retain a sense of genuine fun and intelligence. Favreau, who proved with “Iron Man” that comic book movies can be smart and witty, brings a similar approach to “Cowboys & Aliens.”
A True Western at Heart
Despite the sci-fi elements, “Cowboys & Aliens” is, at its core, a genuine Western. It was shot on film (Favreau resisted studio pressure to film in 3D) and features impressive cinematography by Matthew Libatik, known for his work on films like “Black Swan,” “The Fountain,” and “Requiem for a Dream.” The film also nods to classic Westerns like “Stagecoach,” “Unforgiven,” and “High Noon.”
Thankfully, this isn’t a parody of the genre. It’s a solid, classic Western (as much as it can be with ruthless alien prospectors searching for gold). Favreau doesn’t overemphasize the cultural context, but the references to John Ford are there. Craig channels the stoicism of Yul Brynner and Steve McQueen, while Harrison Ford (sporting a hat!) winks at his past roles.
Absurdity That Works
The film achieves a level of inspired absurdity that’s rare. Ford plays a misanthropic and xenophobic federal marshal who spends the movie grumbling and arguing with an Apache chief, only to eventually unite with him in a battle against the aliens. Craig wields the alien bracelet like a seasoned warrior. The characters even acknowledge the ridiculousness of the plot (“A kid and a dog are already riding with us, why not a woman?” or “What?! The aliens need gold? That’s just funny, what are they going to do with it, buy something?!”). Olivia Wilde’s character is unlike anything you’ve seen before. And then there are the zombies, Mexicans, convicts, and a dog that joins the fray at crucial moments.
The most surprising thing about “Cowboys & Aliens” is that it all works. It’s not overly self-aware or ironic. The dust from the horses’ hooves feels real, the dying words of a friend are touching, Olivia Wilde’s eyes are mesmerizing, and the dog’s bark is sharp and clear. It’s a film that makes you want to wipe the dust off your hat, just like in the old days.