Title: The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean
Year: 1972
Rating: 6.5
Cast: Paul Newman, Victoria Principal, Ned Beatty, Matt Clark, Roddy McDowall
Description: A sun-baked landscape of moral ambiguity, John Huston's "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean" isn't just a Western; it's a scorching indictment of power, justice, and the human thirst for self-mythologizing. Paul Newman's Bean is a fascinating paradox: a self-proclaimed judge dispensing a twisted brand of frontier law, yet somehow compelling in his audacity. The film transcends simple good versus evil, delving into the corrosive effects of isolation and the seductive allure of manufactured legend. Huston's masterful direction creates a world both beautiful and brutal, reflecting the contradictory nature of its central character. The film lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the blurred lines between justice and self-interest, righteousness and ruthless ambition. A darkly comic masterpiece, it's a must-see for fans of Westerns and anyone captivated by flawed, compelling characters.