I've always thought it was interesting that the villian's name is Liberty, something usually considered good, and the protagonist's name is Ransom, something usually associated with evil.

I'm old enough to remember when "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" was released. Great breakdown of a great movie. John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart & Lee Marvin all in the same film! Wow, too bad we don't have anyone these days who even comes close to these three giants.

Very well done! In analyzing and describing this scene you've made me appreciate the director's art in a way I've not considered before. Thanks.

@777Outrigger

5 жыл бұрын

John Ford should be considered to be a modern Shakespeare for his directing genius.

@MJLeger-yj1ww

5 жыл бұрын

John Ford was a terrific director, difficult to work with sometimes, but he knew what he wanted and demanded it. One of the best.

@9johnpaul

5 жыл бұрын

John Wayne steps toward Valance, but the double light and the guy with the hat on remain in the same spot in both shots. In real life the lights would have been more behind him and the guy with the hat would have been out of the shot, but I guess realism doesn't matter. The lights and The guy with the hat would not Have been in the first single shot of John Wayne standing, but the second one after he steps forward, might have included the lights and other guy, so I am saying was standing in the same spot for both of the single shots.

Duke has always been my favorite actor. I have dozens of his films and still enjoy watching them today. He had a screen presence like no other. RIP Duke.

@ThorneJr

3 жыл бұрын

named my son Ethan

I hated expository writing in high school. I felt like we were asked to take good stories and tear them apart. Today, I can appreciate an exploration such as yours. I still feel the old resentment, sure; however, I've come to appreciate storytelling in all its forms and I see the value in searching for what may lie deeper. Real life can be seen as a combination of pretense and substance. So, I thank you for this glimpse you pulled together so well.

I saw the movie when it came out as a kid. The song Man Who Shot Liberty Valance was on the AM radio, there was no FM to speak of yet. I didn't realize until I saw it many years later that it's one of the best westerns ever made.

@Johnnycdrums

2 жыл бұрын

“The Who Shot Liberty Valance” ~ Gene Pitney. The movie came out first, they scrambled to use the tune later on, so I’m told.

I stumbled across this scene on KZread a couple of days ago, and was fascinated by it. Then...I stumbled across your analysis of it...and was extremely impressed with your description of what the director was doing. I don't want to sound naïve...but, I didn't realize director's could introduce such subtlety into a scene that way. I can see how such masterful work by the Director enhances our understanding and enjoyment of the film/scene. Clearly...these things work on our mind...even if only subconsciously. I'm impressed by your analysis, and enjoyed it very much. I'm going to check out your channel, and I'm sure I will learn a lot...even about some of my favorite films.

@edkline6401

6 жыл бұрын

Good, now I don't have to type out all the stuff I was going to write. You said it all.

@shamrick1483

6 жыл бұрын

Late......LOL. isn't it impressive guess I have a deeper appreciation for Directors! love your screen name!

@shamrick1483

5 жыл бұрын

@Gary Daniel yes. I certainly have heard of that. I've read an analysis...from political perspective (explaining what the author was "saying"). Been a long time, though. Fascinating. Thanks.

@shamrick1483

5 жыл бұрын

@geezusispan LOL!! That really gives me a laugh. Hilarious. So....assuming you are correct....I think it is pretty amazing that the guy who made the video (head over reels) is so creative as to craft his presentation in this way. Maybe he thought the director was using such devices. But, who knows. Anyway...certainly....there is great art to directing....of which I am wholely ignorant. Best wishes to you.

I've never heard such an excellent analogy. The points you mentioned would have been easily overlooked as just part of their great acting skills - but you defined each movement like a finely choreographed exposé. You brought out emotional aspects that solidify a person's attention.

@wrlord

5 жыл бұрын

Analogy?

Lee Van Cleefs no dummy. He grabbed the bottle before they split.

@jcake1000

5 жыл бұрын

Well he did bring it.

Holy cow, this is a great analysis.

I clapped for your analysis. I always had a strong feeling towards this scene, not only for the epic showdown between the 2 titans of the old west, but for this disturbing element that is Ranson. I adore the image that picking up the steak puts an end to the uncivilized and old west, made much stronger by your analysis of the pole that divides the scene.

@trevormiles5852

5 жыл бұрын

I liked how he picked up the steak and slapped on the plate and thought that would be it. Even the bad guy Liberty knew that was not a fix. He paid for it but still with that bad guy attitude, dropping it on the floor.Notice ford did not show anybody picking it up. It would have been demeaning to anybody who picked it up.

The last of the John Wayne movies I saw. I didn't discover this one until I was 35! I don't know how I missed it. I remember I stumbled across it on Turner back in 1996, late at night, when in two days I was getting ready to start a pretty big adventure (change of career). I recall telling my late mom I was hungry (which I never did because she'd always zoom into a flurry of food-related activity, beyond what was needed) and she slammed some eggs and grits together and I recall eating it all while watching this wonderful flick. I couldn't get over how I'd never seen it before. The doctor "tending" to Liberty probably my favorite scene!

Ford knew how to frame a picture. I wonder how long it took to shoot with all those cut aways. Nice analysis.BTW That was Strother Martin and Lee Van Cleef as Liberty's henchmen. Lee was one of Frank Miller's henchmen in High Noon.

@LtBrown1956

5 жыл бұрын

jpalvis I had forgotten van Cleef was in HN. He was in quite a few completely unrelated western classics thanks for pointing that out

@kurtb8474

5 жыл бұрын

All three actors played in the same episode of the Twilight Zone.

@karlkarlos3545

5 жыл бұрын

Don't forget Woody Strode was in this movie too.

What an enjoyable analysis of a wonderful film! Thank you for creating and posting!

Love it! This scene is also one of my favorites! Your analysis is spot on! You’ve even pointed things out that I hadn’t really noticed, and I’ve watched this movie many times! Thank you so much for sharing your perspective! ☮️🖖🏽

Get this!!! I am 59 years old. Never seen this movie until today. WOW!!!! WHAT A MOVIE!!!!

I enjoyed this video, well done and skillfully narrated. Provides a new perspective on an old classic.

Fascinating break down of the scene. Thank you for posting

Excellent expose on a scene from one of the greatest westerns of all time. The steak scene was always a favorite of mine as well. Your insight showed brilliance in relaying Ford's creative & keen direction.

@rameuplatonov6221

4 жыл бұрын

Tom outburst anger at the bar good too though

Enjoyable and informative analysis of the scene. Brings home, how a great director such as John Ford, can cleverly and subtly bring so much information and power to a scene.

Wow, that was fascinating! Didn't realize all the subtle aspects that go into framing and composing a motion picture scene!

John Ford was a great filmmaker

Thank you for your comprehensive breakdown of the scene/staging. We probably unconsciously take in what you have pointed out, because we've seen so many films that the film 'grammar' is automatically detected.

You are really good at this. I always liked Liberty Valance and John Ford. You have given me new ways to watch film.

Excellent analysis!

brilliant analysis

@kybowler6682

6 жыл бұрын

Classic Wayne and James and Lee only missing Walter Brennan!

This was a really good analysis. Thanks!

Marvin is terrific in this role. Repulsive, truly contemptible, etc. To make an audience despise you takes talent.

@Mike-yg8ig

7 ай бұрын

My favorite actor of all time. The ultimate bully in this flick, and we hate bullies.

Excellent analysis of a master film maker's art.

I really enjoyed your analysis of the scene I've watched that movie tons of times and while I guess I understood what was going on I maybe didn't realize that there was a purpose to it I guess I assumed that it was a natural response to the actors interchanging with each other. I subscribed because of this video. I also wanted to let you know what you called a bullwhip is really a silver adorned Horse quirt. A bullwhip was much longer and needed to be able to reach from a wagon seat or Stagecoach seat to the stock that was being driven. Quirts many times had a loop that the hand would go through so when both hands were needed the quirt could be dropped from the hand and would ride on the wrist on the leather thong. The quirt was used to whip the horse to greater speed and could also be used to shou flys. Take care Simon

Excellent analysis, well done in all aspects of cinematography and character development.👍

Great analysis, now to watch the whole film again!

Great analysis. One of the best westerns ever made.

Wonderful & heartfelt essay. This is a truly timeless movie filled with magnificent actors.

I saw this film at age 12 in a small town of Vernon, BC during a vacation in 1962. It has stayed in my mind ever since that day.

The dark knight has the same ending. The man of the law must become the hero while the amoral vigilante is cast down and forgotten.

Excellent analysis! It makes me wonder how much of this scene was Ford, how much was the camera director, and how much was the film editor. Could Ford have possibly envisioned every nuance discussed in this scene? Hard to say. What do you make of Lee Van Cleef pausing to take a bottle of whiskey with him as they leave the establishment? This was truly John Ford's magnus opus in old age . . . .

@glassjaw2007

5 жыл бұрын

yes he envisioned it, this TITAN was the master of Kurosawa, Leone and Scorsese, of course the cinematographer was key but Ford had a painter´s eye.

Nice explanation of subtleties that were perhaps seen, but not recognized. I liked it.

Excellent analysis. .. John Ford was a true Master of his craft.

I love this movie, and this scene, it looks like Wayne, Stewart and Lee Marvin are competing and enjoying every second of it....

Amazing analysis. Thank you.

Best. Analysis. Ever.

One of my favorite scenes in one of my favorite movies.

Wow Wow Wow! What a great analysis!!! I’ve always loved TMWSLV. But I never knew why! The steak seen was always one of my favorites (“Burn me a good one Cookie”) - and you’ve explained why it’s been so impactful. I’ve always seen this film as the “death of the western” - with an anti-hero in Rance, and a questionable hero in Tom - Tom “snipes” LW, he doesn’t go toe-to-tow with him. I’ve always found that unsettling. Amazing Durection - - and Amazing analysis. I’m waiting for Hollywood to make a similar film about the Super Hero genre, which has also run its course. Thank you.

Excellent just excellent commentary and explanation. Very well done sir. I have watched this movie at least 25 times and I now understand it better than ever before! Thank-you Sir for your efforts!

Dude! That was great. Do some more. Subscribed:)

If you think that Tom and Liberty are two sides of the same coin you're gravely mistaken, Liberty is a dry gulcher, Tom will look a man in the eye, two completely different personalities.

Excellent breakdown of the scene. There is so much going on with the scene manipulated by the director that the average viewer often overlooks.

Nice analysis, subbed. 👍

Thoroughly enjoyed this! A brilliant film.

Great video!

good job, this was the first movie I saw in the theater with my family. Excellent commentary.

Awesome video sir

Probably one of the top 5 westerns of all time. I see a lot of parallels with this and "Unforgiven"

@cedricgist7614

5 жыл бұрын

Never made that connection! It fits, though. There were no "good guys" in "Unforgiven." And the "noblest" characters in this film are flawed: Doniphan shoots his rival from the shadows, and Ransom builds his career on a lie. Thanks for the comparison.

@daveygivens735

5 жыл бұрын

Two of my favorites. Wayne was at his best with a dark streak. The Horse Soldiers was a little campy but his character was really interesting. And the Searchers? Wow.

outstanding!!!! man who shot liberty valence is one of the top 10 westerns of all times and this scene is simply the best one in any western that did not end in a shootout. fantastic directing by john ford and acting by a several outstanding leading men. that does not even count the contributions of the multitude of great character actors (woody strobe, strother martin, lee van cleef among the most obvious (dont forget the characters in the kitchen ....all staples of ford westerns). greatest single shot in any western ever is the one where lee marvin and the duke are on opposite sides of the line you indicated and jimmy stewart was in the middle but I always point out strother martin ("what we have here is a failure to communicate") on the far left of the shot. Martin may have been the best character actor of his generation. Also, If you extended the left of the shot you would also pick up lee van cleef (angel eyes). What an iconic shot!! moreover, it should also be pointed out that the great sergio leone was highly influenced by this movie and there are many contributions from this classic in his equally great "once upon a time in the west" and yes, woody strobe was in both movies. fantastic analysis ....you thoroughly documented many things I had observed and pointed out to others but you went way beyond what I had noted. really enjoyed this

@51lobo27

5 жыл бұрын

Woody strobe

@LtBrown1956

5 жыл бұрын

sorry ....woody strode

Great analysis. I have to go and watch the film again.

Your analysis is what makes John Ford such a great director.

This movie reminds me of the relationship I had with my father. Dad was a bull in a china shop. Never learned to read or write. Swore like a sailor, fought just about anyone. He never taught me how to fight, so I had to learn to use words, and humor. He respected me and also had a competitive streak with me. He was 40 years my elder, it was a complex, and strained relationship.

Damn.... I never thought that deeply about the scene.

Really enjoyed this video!

An excellent forensic analysis! Superb acting, actors and very well directed. Even though it was filmed in black and white to me that seems to compliment this overall great, classic movie!

Really well done. Should do another one on the death of the American Western movie in the 21st century. Really do miss them.

Great analysis

Excellent analysis and the narrator gives detailed insights into the art of film.

one of t the best movie reviews ever

I get the scene building, but the bottom line on all movies is the actor. Faces, voice, simple way they stand you put different people in that same scene, and it won't play right. Just about all the actors were perfectly cast.

And did you notice how the tablecloth is set so carefully with the glasses and napkins juxtaposed in the realm of complete reactionary concern I also noticed how the windows glare as Liberty Valance walked past it almost giving it a careful stare almost to say you don't scare me it's just amazing how carefully these scenes were thought out

Valance and Doniphon probably knew they'd eventually have a showdown. The way Valance was actually killed was shameful but true to the real west. The Doniphon character wished that Valance had been killed in an honorable way. He said he could live with it but he couldn't.

Superb, superb. This analysis is right up there with Ford scholarship by Tag Gallagher, Joseph McBride, Scott Allen Nollen & Scott Eyman. Cheers & Kudos.

You can see the moustached man at 10:02. Comparing this frame with the earlier frame, we get a better picture of the layout of the place and from where the moustached man appears later in the scene.

My all time favorite western.

Where have you been? This was wonderfully done. It's selfish, but I need more!

It’s a great scene.

Ever notice that while all the other characters are chowing down on big steaks and spuds Ranse gets served beans and bread in the kitchen?

My favorite western and and one of John Wayne's best performances and John Ford's best work maybe. I do cowboy action shooting and my alias is Link Appleyard. I learned how to be a man watching John Wayne and my Dad who was a hard man himself. He went to work in the coal mines at age 11 in 1914. He was a boxer and bare knuckle fighter in local evens for $5.00 a fight in the 1920's. There are no men like that today. America could sure use John Wayne now.

One of my all time favorite scenes!

Lee Marvin's moustached henchman is the eventually famous Lee Van Cleef, archvillain of Spaghetti Westerns. And Pompey is college football star Woody Strode, who also appeared in Kirk Douglas' "Spartacus" as Draba, the gladiator who sacrifices himself to save Spartacus.

Good job of making me feel stupid. I really enjoy an intelligent look at directing and staging. Thank you very much

I never thought about it this way, wow. Great analysis. Now, can you tell me why I want to dominate any scenario that I am placed in?

An excellent analysis.

There is thing not mentioned in this analysis. The shot at 2:45 shows at least five men eating in the foreground but at 4:20 there is a wall where those men were eating.

Excellent insight, thank you.

Very good analysis. Great movie, saw it years ago.

Very good. I don't know anything about film direction. Is it possible some of this was done in editing?

Excellent; I didn't put together that both guys tripped someone in the scene deliberately as sort of an ante into the game. That's good stuff.

1 of my favs.

Great analysis .

Beautiful % Poignant Observation! You gotta do *SHANE* next. Specifically the climatic scene where he walks into *Grafton's* *Saloon* looking for a job with Ryker.

Featureman brought me here.

I was rather young when I first watched this movie. I felt very bad for Tom Doniphon. Several decades later I still feel for him if I happen to watch the film.

It is difficult, maybe even impossible, to rate Ford's place among directors. Ford seems to be the reference that so many directors create by, that it is difficult to place him, except as THE reference. Simply saying "John Ford, director" as he called himself, may be the most appropriate. When directors the like of Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, Frank Capra, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, David Lean, and more all name John Ford as a major influence, Ford is clearly above even being "one of the best".

This analysis was excellent.

Interesting take. Not sure if that is what Ford was doing but it makes sense. Drawing with your back turned is just stupid though as you not only need to draw but also acquire your target while turning. Valence was likely drunk however and wouldn't have thought about that as much as saving face.

@scottgoodman4776

5 жыл бұрын

Agreed. The angry voice, use of violence hand going toward the gun, all would have signaled the need for Wayne to draw and gun Valence down. But I guess without a plot twist, there is no showdown in the street and no story.

Americans, so damn good at analysis.

@kybowler6682

6 жыл бұрын

took 60 yrs dude, but thankfully.

@jmshaw357

6 жыл бұрын

Its how we win wars.

@aragoniusde8145

6 жыл бұрын

William Davidson yeaahhh funny

@kirkmoore4515

5 жыл бұрын

jmshaw357 We win wars, no thanks to the coward John Wayne.

@lonmcq7317

5 жыл бұрын

Kirk...Respectfully, it takes no brains, and a lot of ignorance to call Duke a coward...Check your facts before you spill crap like this...

Good job. Thanks.

I can’t enjoy this movie again without pausing it and reviewing each shot to see what the director is trying to say! It will take all day to watch it now! I guess I will just go and play golf and drink a beer! Ha! Come on people, life is not that complicated!

Enjoyed watching this very good analysis. Quite close to my own views with a few differences.

Fantastic deconstruction Sir. Please to watch.

Well done sir. My favorite movie. Thanks

The greatest western ever made. John Ford, Jimmie Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin, such rare talent, at their best. An American classic....an American treasure.