There Was A Crooked Man…

I was a bit disappointed after watching “There Was A Crooked Man.” Despite many positive reviews, I was rather bored. Yes, the acting was on par and the cinematographic elements were quite on point for a period film. The main storyline was rather solid – but then it was drawn out WAY too long. I don’t mind a slow build, but the problem with this queer action film is that even the climax at the end is slow & drawn out. Another issue is that the film is suffering an identity crisis. Are we supposed to feel sorry for Paris, despite showing us from the start he’s a ruthless con man? And I detested the twist with the Warden at the end. For the entire film, he’s the “good guy” trying to bring reform to a bunch of prisoners. So I don’t buy that this righteous law-abiding warden would suddenly skip town with Paris’ stolen money!

Lastly, while “There Was A Crooked Man” is most certainly a Western film, is it a queer western film? I’m mixed on this, and the only reason why I’m leaving it in this list is because with the ensemble cast are a “probable” gay couple. Dudley (Hume Cronyn) and Cyrus (John Randolph) are arrested after being revealed as religious con-men. Throughout the entire film they are quibbling just like an old married couple. At the end when they realise they have been conned, Dudley decides to create a home just for the two of them when they get out. However, their sexuality and relationship are used more as comedic relief. At one point, Paris remarks negatively about the “two daisies”. Unless you’ve got a huge fascination for classic Western films, I’d probably skip this queer western film.