Pooja Sharma
‘Dead for a Dollar’ pays homage to the Western films of yore by creating something familiar yet unexpected. The movie follows Max Borlund, a bounty hunter hired to find Rachel Kidd, who’s supposedly been abducted and is being held for ransom in Chihuahua, Mexico, by an African American army deserter. However, with a former armed robber hot on his tail and abundant secrets of abuse and conspiracies, Borland finds himself warped in a series of events. Directed and written by Walter Hill, the 2022 Western film stars Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, and Rachel Brosnahan.
Set in the year 1897, the Western film engulfs viewers in an age that teetered on the precipice of the New West. With cinematography that relegated the essence of old Western films, the story by Matt Harris and Walter Hill enraptures its viewers through its sepia-colored lens. While tales of vengeance and abuse have left viewers wondering whether the story is rooted in a true historical fact, it is the parallels to the Greek tragedy ‘Illiad’ that has left viewers wondering whether the corrupt figure hiring a mercenary to find a wife, and its consequent pursuit is based on true events or not. Luckily, we’ve got the answers!
Dead for a Dollar is an Original Story
No, ‘Dead for a Dollar’ is not based on a true story. Austere director Walter Hill, known for producing cult classics, wrote the screenplay and even envisaged the story with Matt Harris. Naturally, the writing and screenplay, coupled with the acting prowess of legends like Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, and Rachel Brosnahan, helped deliver an intriguing narrative that seems realistic. As it discusses themes such as racism, gender inequality, and abuse, it is natural for the audience to believe that the prevalent subjects are actually based on a true story; however, it is driven by a fictional script.
The story begins with bounty hunter Max Borlund confronting his nemesis, Joe Cribbens, who is behind bars for an armed robbery but will soon be released. Cribbens, who had taken a vow to kill Borlund for getting him incarcerated, was now on the pathway to vengeance. On the other hand, Borlund is introduced to a businessman Martin Kidd, whose wife is abducted by an army deserter and is being held for ransom in Chihuahua. Accepting the deal, Borlund sets on his path only to be encountered by rich landowners and bandits. Cribbens, too, begins to set south and tail Borlund for revenge.
The film sees multiple showdowns, from Rachel killing her abusive husband, to Borlund killing a number of bandits and even Cribbens in a final bout. The end culminates in Borlund continuing his life as a bounty hunter and Rachel refusing to remarry and moving to Philadelphia in order to continue working for women’s rights and pave the way for progressive politics.
What makes ‘Dead for a Dollar’ a riveting watch is its ability to weave a timeless narrative into the elements of the Old West. The storyline dedicated to traversing racial dynamics and also female abuse makes many wonder about the facticity of the tale. It hits closer to home, especially given the monumental cases of domestic violence and abusive relationships in real life. As such, the similar motif in the movie raises the question: Is it rooted in reality?
Director Walter Hill, known for producing greats like ‘Aliens,’ ‘Prometheus,’ and ‘The Assignment’ dedicated this oeuvre to director Budd Boetticher, who’s known for directing Western movies. As such, it is no surprise that the cinematography, tight shots, and multiple showdowns resonate with the essence of a classic film from the ‘50s and ‘60s.
So, even though the story finds its themes and motifs rooted in almost life-like scenarios and classics like Homer’s ‘Illiad,’ the movie is not based on a true story. Adding to the charm and script is the acting of seasoned legends, allowing viewers to make an instant connection. Even so, ‘Dead for a Dollar,’ which hits close to home, is the product of an invigorating script and scintillating action that make it a worthwhile watch.
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