They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a poignant 1969 film directed by Sydney Pollack, starring Jane Fonda, Michael Sarrazin, and Susannah York. Set in the backdrop of the Great Depression, this film is an evocative exploration of human endurance, desperation, and the pursuit of dreams, however elusive they may be. It is based on Horace McCoy’s 1935 novel of the same name and delivers a vivid portrayal of the ironies and brutalities of life in a period of severe desolation and uncertainty.

The film centers around a marathon dance competition on a pier in Santa Monica, California, both a spectacle and a survival contest that riveted and distressed townsfolk in equal measure. The competition, which guarantees a prize of $1500 to the winning couple who can stay on their feet the longest, attracts a motley crew of down-on-their-luck contestants hoping to use this opportunity as a springboard to a better life.

Jane Fonda portrays Gloria Beatty, a world-weary young woman with a cynical view of life. The desperate circumstances of the Depression have hardened Gloria and she enters the dance marathon hopeful yet disillusioned. Fonda delivers a powerful, gritty performance that truly captures Gloria's hard-edged desperation. Michael Sarrazin plays Robert Syverton, an aspiring movie director and Gloria's dance partner. His portrayal of Robert serves as a significant contrast to Gloria's cynicism, radiating a more hopeful and empathetic approach to their bleak situation.

Susannah York plays Alice Leblanc, a fellow competitor and aspiring actress who enters the competition with her husband. Her vivacious and exuberant portrayal adds another layer of complexity to the narrative of hope and despair.

An interesting character of the story is the event's master of ceremonies, Rocky, portrayed by Gig Young in a performance that earned him an Academy Award. His role represents the exploitative nature of the showbiz, filling the role of both the tormentor and the comic relief in the movie.

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? presents a vivid picture of the Depression era, showcasing the harsh realities of life and the desperation of people clinging to their dreams despite the odds stacked against them. The dance marathon is a perfect metaphor for the survival struggles waged by the competitors, shedding light on the brutal competition and the sheer will required to endure. The movie explores the darker side of human nature and the extents people are willing to go to in the pursuit of their dreams and survival.

The screenplay written by James Poe and Robert E. Thompson captures the essence of the novel, integrating elements of black comedy, drama, and tragedy in equal measure. The film delves into the desperate measures individuals resort to in barrens of depression era. The dance marathon, a mix of endurance test and spectacle, emergence as a metaphor for the never-ending human struggle and survival, creating a picture that is as grim as it is fascinating.

The viscerally impactful cinematography by Philip H. Lathrop heightens the film's drama, capturing the weariness, desperation, and false cheer with striking intimacy and vitality. The production design fosters a rich sense of period realism, successfully recreating the desperation of the Depression era.

Pollack's direction of They Shoot Horses, Don't They? allows the bleak narrative to unfold with an energetic momentum that parallels the relentless dance marathon. His choice of mise-en-scene and emphasis on the physical deterioration of characters enhance the dramatic tension and underlines the relentless nature of their struggle in a world seemingly indifferent to their suffering.

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? is a memorable foray into a world of relentless struggle and fleeting dreams. It's a thought-provoking narrative about hope, despair and everything in between, portrayed through magnetic performances and gripping storytelling. This visually striking and emotionally rich movie offers a profound exploration of human endurance and inherent will for survival. It's a distinct and compelling drama that continues to resonate, long after the credits roll.