Rio Lobo

Rio Lobo, directed by Howard Hawks and released in 1970, features the legendary film stalwart John Wayne alongside Jorge Rivero and Jennifer O'Neill. Set amidst the American Civil War era, this was the last film directed by Hawks, a filmmaker known for his multi-genre direction. Rio Lobo comes under the western genre and presents a narrative pattern that brings out the best of this genre's dramatic thrills. The film is a picture of revenge, camaraderie, and pursuit of justice.

The film’s protagonist is Colonel Cord McNally (John Wayne), a Union Army veteran from the Civil War, whose distressing incident in the past sets the premise for the plot. A stolen gold shipment and the consequent death of some soldiers echo within the Colonel, instigating him to unravel the truth and find the guilty party. His mission is to track down the Confederate Captain who was involved in the heist that resulted in his soldiers' death.

Alongside McNally is the charismatic character Pierre Cordona, portrayed by Jorge Rivero. Cordona, a former Confederate Captain, surprised by the gallantry of the Colonel during the war, decides to help him in his pursuit. Cordona's character adds another layer of depth to the plot, forming an uneasy alliance with McNally while also carrying an aura of mystery about his actual intentions.

On the other hand, Jennifer O'Neill as Shasta Delaney, a damsel encountered during their adventure, becomes the film's feminine charm. Shasta, a seemingly helpless woman caught amidst a corrupt sheriff's rule in the town of Rio Lobo, becomes crucial to McNally's quest for justice. Her character, beautiful and resolute, not only adds to the romantic interest but also the intrigue of the unfolding story.

Furthermore, the film brilliantly uses the setting itself as a character. The town of Rio Lobo, amidst the vast arid landscapes, dusty roads under the scorching sun, and the life within the old wooden buildings and saloons, takes the viewer back to the wild American frontier.

The journey of the protagonists through the treacherous landscapes, filled with danger and suspense, becomes a treat for lovers of western cinema. The story manages to maintain crisp dialogues and moments of dramatic tension and action that are quintessential to the Howard Hawks- John Wayne duo's brilliance. They had earlier collaborated on other successful films such as "El Dorado" and "Red River."

In the film, John Wayne, in his classic gruff yet noble avatar, brings an aura of strength and honour to Colonel McNally. Wayne's character's determination to bring the culprits to justice while navigating through various adversarial scenarios is emblematic of the heroic figures he has portrayed throughout his remarkable career. Jorge Rivero’s Cordona provides the perfect support, delivering a performance filled with charm and courage. Jennifer O'Neill as Shasta brings a certain softness to the overall rugged vibe of the film, beautifully portraying the strength and resilience of women in those times.

The film's direction is a treat to watch as Howard Hawks weaves a web of suspense and adventure using minimal resources, a characteristic of classical westerns. His creative vision brings out sharp gunfights, dramatic chases, and tense face-offs, contributing to a thrilling cinematic experience.

The music of the film, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, enhances the overall environment, with its haunting and soaring tunes setting the mood for the scenes, amplifying the tension and betraying the anticipated relief.

Rio Lobo is an enticing blend of western allure and compelling narrative suspense. Whilst following a well-worn genre path, its expert direction, captivating performances, and the vintage charm of the era it represents, amass its appeal to a wide range of audiences. It effectively captures John Wayne's quintessential appearance, Howard Hawks' direction prowess, and the essence of 1970s western filmmaking. In conclusion, Rio Lobo is a must-watch for fans of John Wayne and for those who savour films that signify the age-old struggle between justice and corruption set against the rustic landscapes of the American West.