Reblogged » Radiator Heaven: Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia
Reblogged » Radiator Heaven: Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia.
Today, my good friend J.D. over at his Radiator Heaven blog reprised his most excellent look of a rugged, uncompromising film by the legendary Sam Peckinpah that still haunts those who’ve seen it. From the unexpected teenage pregnancy of a powerful man’s daughter to the stunning, smoking final image, it “… is a ferocious crime film that has been imitated (see Man on Fire) but never equaled.”:
Sam Peckinpah spent his career fighting against the Hollywood studio system to make his own distinctive brand of films. Out of all the ones he made only on Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974) was he given final cut privileges. The film is the epitome of a grungy nihilism that was in vogue with many American filmmakers during the 1970s with Peckinpah leading the charge in 1969 with the explosive deconstruction of the western that was The Wild Bunch. Coupled with his love affair with the country of Mexico, the veteran director created a deeply personal film that alienated critics and mainstream audiences alike back in the day, but has gone on to become one of his most highly regarded films.
I heartily recommend both the review and the film.
It Rains... You Get Wet 
8 Responses to “Reblogged » Radiator Heaven: Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia”
Thanks, my friend for the shout-out. I really do appreciate it. Love this film. It’s a tough one to watch, at times, but great nonetheless.
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You’re welcome, J.D. I love that piece on this particular film. It covers so well many of the stellar aspects in that Peckinpah film, one that keeps rising over the years. That means a lot for a work that really didn’t get much respect when it arrived on the scene. Thanks, my friend.
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Hi, J.D., Michael and company:
Another great “Sweaty Man” film with the always dependable, yet criminally under rated. Warren Oates!
Kudos to Sam Peckinpah for crafting a film that could have been a turn of the century Western for its opening twenty minutes. And held that mystique through most of it.
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Wonderfully said, Kevin. Thanks.
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Michael, thanks for sharing this post. I just saw this film for the first time a couple weeks ago, and I loved it. The more I see from Peckinpah, the more I am impressed.
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BMtHoAG remains a one-of-a-kind film for this legendary filmmaker. Even in his lesser films Peckinpah always had something unique to offer. Glad you enjoyed the film and the review. Thanks, Eric.
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I just went over and checked out that blog and post. Thanks for the heads up. Just remembering that film makes me want to take a bath in antibac.
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I understand your point, scjedi. Especially with one alcohol-treatment scene, in particular. Thanks for the comment, my friend.
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