Duck, You Sucker

Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1913 Mexican Revolution, Bernardo Bertolucci's 'Duck, You Sucker!' is a gripping tale of an unlikely duo who stumble upon a desperate cause, forever changing their lives in the process. The film tells the story of Juan Miranda, a cunning and ruthless bandit, and John H. Mallory, a skilled explosives expert with the Irish Republican Army. At the beginning of the 20th century, Mexico is on the verge of chaos as the revolution unfolds. As a result, the country's social and economic landscape is in shambles, creating an opportune environment for Juan, a bandit with a reputation for getting out of tight spots. His skills as a thief and a scoundrel have earned him the respect of his peers and the fear of his enemies. However, Juan has a secret: he is also driven by a desire for stability and legitimacy. Despite his rough demeanor, Juan has dreams of living a normal life, free from the constant threat of violence and poverty. This desire for normalcy leads him to join forces with John Mallory, another fugitive with a talent for getting out of trouble. John, an explosives expert with the IRA, has fled to Mexico after a botched operation in Ireland. His skills as a bomb maker and demolitions expert make him a valuable asset to any group that needs expertise in these areas. Despite his tough exterior, John is also a complex and introspective character, haunted by the ghosts of his past and struggling to find his place in the world. When Juan and John cross paths with a group of revolutionaries led by a charismatic leader named Sánchez, they are drawn into a desperate cause. The revolutionaries plan to strike at a national bank in a small town in Mexico, using John's expertise to blow the safe and make off with a large haul of gold and cash. For Juan, the prospect of riches and the thrill of the heist is too enticing to resist, and he agrees to join the group. However, as the group begins to plan their heist, it becomes clear that there is more at stake than just money. The bank in question is being used by the government as a hiding place for illegally detained political prisoners, including women and children. When the dynamite goes off, the prisoners are freed, and the town is thrown into chaos. Juan is shocked and conflicted by the reality of the situation. Despite his initial reluctance to get involved in the revolution, he is moved by the plight of the prisoners and the desperation of the revolutionaries. For the first time in his life, he begins to see the world in terms of right and wrong, rather than just right and profitable. As the group navigates the aftermath of the heist, Juan becomes an unlikely hero of the revolution. The people of the town, who have been oppressed by the government, see Juan's actions as a beacon of hope in a desperate time. John, on the other hand, is forced to confront the consequences of his actions, and the moral complexity of his role in the revolution. Throughout the film, Bertolucci weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of revolution, morality, and redemption. The film's title, 'Duck, You Sucker!,' is a play on words, referencing the phrase 'duck,' which was often yelled by Mexican bandits to warn others to run, and 'sucker,' which was said to be Juan's reputation for being a ruthless thief. The film features stunning cinematography, courtesy of Vittorio Storaro, whose use of color and composition brings the world of the film to life. The performances of Rod Steiger and Jimmy Dean are also noteworthy, capturing the complexity and nuance of their characters. Ultimately, 'Duck, You Sucker!' is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that challenges its viewers to confront the complexities of revolution and morality. By following the story of Juan and John, the film raises important questions about the nature of right and wrong, and the consequences of our actions.