Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is an interesting study in genre. In many ways, it has all the basic elements of a typical western. But despite the sweeping western vistas, the horses and gunfights, the poker and brothel scenes, there are some interesting departures from the formula.
The most obvious difference is the humor that is brought out in high stakes moments. One of these times was during their first robbery in Bolivia. Butch is trying to remember his spanish.
Butch Cassidy: Manos arriba!
Sundance Kid: They got 'em up! Skip on down.
Butch Cassidy: Arriba!
Sundance Kid: Skip on down!
Butch Cassidy: Todos ustedes "arrismense" a la pared.
Sundance Kid: They're against the wall already!
Butch Cassidy: Donde... Ah, you're so damn smart, You read it
Another example is the knife fight with Harvey, when Butch tells Sundance to kill Harvey if he dies, to which Sundance replies, "love to" with a nod and wave to Harvey. The gravity of the situation is lightened. Unlike most westerns where the outcome of each situation is part of the tension, in this movie we are just along for the ride without worry.
The relationship between Etta and both leading men is a complicated one, where in the typical western the love story (if there is one) would be much more straightforward. There is obvious chemistry between Butch and Etta that is an interesting surprise, yet once again causes very little tension as it is dealt with in humor. After a memorable bicycle ride, Butch tells Sundance that he's stealing his girl, to which Sundance simply replies, "Take her."
The photo montage that shows the trio's journey to Bolivia was an interesting departure from the norm as well. The passage of time is shown in an interesting way, and the relationships between the trio are highlighted.
When Butch and Sundance decide to go straight in Bolivia, they are met with an interesting twist where they are defending against a gang of robbers. The irony of the situation is part of its charm and interest, and we are left with an appreciation for their choice to stick with the bank robbery business. After all, Butch had never in his life of crime been forced to kill a man, but when trying the honest route was compelled to violence.
The photo montage that shows the trio's journey to Bolivia was an interesting departure from the norm as well. The passage of time is shown in an interesting way, and the relationships between the trio are highlighted.
When Butch and Sundance decide to go straight in Bolivia, they are met with an interesting twist where they are defending against a gang of robbers. The irony of the situation is part of its charm and interest, and we are left with an appreciation for their choice to stick with the bank robbery business. After all, Butch had never in his life of crime been forced to kill a man, but when trying the honest route was compelled to violence.
One of the highlights of the film for me is the rapport between Butch and Sundance. They are an interesting pair, with obvious deep affection for one another and a balance of strengths and weaknesses. Sundance seems to be the brawn of the relationship, and defers to Butch as the brains. Much of their relationship is brought out in shared humor that diffuses tense situations. In the end as they face their impending deaths, they face it with optimism and humor, and as a team.
The end of the movie was foretold from the beginning, and although it wasn't a surprise was still interesting. The final shot was well done, and skipped the gratuitous violence of some westerns.
Altogether I enjoyed "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and would highly recommend it.
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