There Was a Crooked Man...

A slightly unconventional western, which mostly takes place in a prison where the cunning outlaw Paris Pitman ends up, brilliantly portrayed by Kirk Douglas. Henry Fonda attempts to reform him as the progressive and visionary prison director who believes that better living conditions will make his inmates better. I would not classify the film as a comedy; in fact, it portrays the American Midwest in a far more realistic manner than many western dramas. Moreover, the story does not spare the protagonist, and very few people will experience a happy ending. Nevertheless, there is a certain lightness felt throughout the film, as it serves as a subtle satire on American history and values. Corruption simply shaped America and changed history. Overall impression: 75%. The advantage of Mankiewicz's film is that it can surprise and break some genre stereotypes. This makes it interesting even for moviegoers who are not fans of westerns. (18/02/2010)