“The reason, Mr. Gashade, for the hunt is the kill.”
A Low-Budget Western from the Corman-Hellman-Nicholson Trio

After impressing producer Roger Corman with their previous work, director Monte Hellman and actor Jack Nicholson presented him with a spec script, but Corman had a different idea. He proposed that they make two Westerns instead, giving them three weeks to shoot each film. Hellman and Nicholson agreed, and the result was a pair of existential Westerns – The Shooting and Ride in the Whirlwind – shot in 1965 in Utah. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 12-episode, 14th season-long Roger Corman series with a conversation about The Shooting, our second installment and member bonus episode.

Unraveling the Mysteries of The Shooting

In this episode, we delve into the enigmatic world of The Shooting, discussing the film's unique narrative structure and the questions it raises. We explore the mysterious characters, their motivations, and the shocking revelation at the end. The story follows a former bounty hunter turned miner who is hired by a woman to track down an unknown individual. As they embark on their journey, they are pursued by a menacing gunslinger clad in black. Throughout our conversation, we examine how the film's minimalistic approach and existential themes set it apart from traditional Westerns of the era.

The Corman Connection and the Film's Place in Cinema History

We discuss how The Shooting fits into the larger context of Roger Corman's productions and its significance in the careers of Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson. The film's low-budget, experimental nature aligns with Corman's reputation for producing cost-effective, boundary-pushing cinema. We also explore how The Shooting, along with its companion piece, Ride in the Whirlwind, served as a precursor to the independent, counterculture-influenced films of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

A Divisive Film: Contrasting Opinions

While Andy enjoyed The Shooting, finding its fatalistic and existential themes compelling, Pete struggled to connect with the film. He found the experimental editing choices and the overall pacing to be challenging, making it a difficult watch for him. Despite their differing opinions, both hosts agree that the film's ambiguity and unconventional approach make it a unique entry in the Western genre.

Other Topics Covered in the Episode

The film's status as one of the first "acid Westerns"
The symbolic and metaphorical elements woven throughout the narrative
The effective use of the stark Utah landscape to convey isolation and despair
Standout (?) performances from the cast, including Will Hutchins and Millie Perkins

A Thought-Provoking and Unconventional Western

While Andy appreciated The Shooting's ambiguity and haunting atmosphere, Pete ultimately deemed it a "Casablanca movie," alluding to the exchange between Rick and Ugarte in the classic film: "You despise me, don't you?" "If I gave you any thought, I probably would." Despite their contrasting views, both hosts agree that the film remains a testament to Corman’s passion for cranking out low budget films and giving experimenting filmmakers like Monte Hellman and Jack Nicholson the chance to play. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Film Sundries

New Glossary Term: Casablanca Movie
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Theatrical trailer
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