The Wild Bunch, for those that don’t already know, was an epic western directed by Sam Peckinpah in 1969. The story followed an aging outlaw gang on the Mexico-United States border who were trying to adapt to the upcoming modern world back in 1913. At the time the film was controversial because of its graphic violence. It starred William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan, Edmond O’ Brien, Warren Oates and Ben Johnson. The film, with scenes inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954) and Peckinpah’s irritation with what he believed was a lack of reality in previous westerns, was dubbed a “Masterpiece” by Roger Ebert.
According to Variety, this classic is getting a makeover courtesy of none other than Mel Gibson. Gibson will direct and co-write the film along with Bryan Bagby. He will also serve as executive producer. Gibson’s last stint at directing was for the World War II film Hacksaw Ridge (2016) starring Andrew Garfield which was nominated for an academy award for best picture and best director.
Toruk's TakeI don't usually co-sign remakes or reboots. But every once and awhile you gotta bend with the wind. Mel Gibson is easily, easily one of the best directors of his generation and subsequent generations. Most of the Millennial directors of today are quite frankly, pathetic and many of the once greats (I'm looking at you Spielberg) have withered away into ineptitude.
Apocalypto (2006) and Braveheart (1995) weren't just films, they were portals to another time offered at the price of a movie ticket. I have complete and utter faith in what Gibson will do with this project. I don't need to see a trailer. I don't need to know about the cast. Just sit me down in front of this masterpiece to come and call me a happy guy.
