Hud (1963)

 Martin Ritt's "Hud"

By the 1960s, the Western genre had become far more of entertainment concept meant to placate the masses. There were numerous films still, but even more television series. The market was overrun with Westerns. So, when a subversive and more introspective Western like "Hud" comes around, it really stands out above the rest. 

Starring the iconic Paul Newman, 1963's "Hud" centers on Hud - a morally bankrupt ranch-hand on his aging father's Texas cattle ranch. After it is discovered that their cattle all has foot-and-mouth disease, Hud's father is tasked with liquidating them - bringing an end to his life's work. Hud's selfishness and brazen disregard for tradition and honor causes domestic issues abound.

What's interesting about this particular Western is how the 'society' that normally invades the traditional Western landscape happens from within. Hud himself represents this new societal change, not some external pressure (as is typically with any Western format). Hud represents the post-war capitalist mindset - individually minded and out for whatever option will bring in money, even if it's corrupt. He drives away everyone good and decent on his own maliciousness, rather than having some outside source come in and remove them. For this reason, "Hud" is a unique subversion of the typical Western. Our protagonist is the reason for the changing of the times and the corruption of the modern American soul. 

On top of this unique perspective on the genre, the general aesthetic and the performances are superb. As someone from Texas myself, the look and feel of every frame - along with the actor's accents - are all comforting and familiar to me. Aside from some vernacular incongruencies, the look and feel of "Hud" is completely copesetic to its source.