Directed by Burt Kennedy. Dp was Harry Stradling Jr. Burt Kennedy directed 'Suburban Commando' which I watched one Saturday morning at my cousins house while eating Count Chocula. Couldn't stand my cousin cause he was way too high strung and hyper, but I loved going to his house cause his family always had lots of Pepsi and Count Chocula. Hmmm...maybe the two were connected?
So this is my first note when watching: "I'm into this movie right at the start." The opening sequence at the funeral is my favorite part. And Harry Stradling's camera work is a part of the reason. See how he frames the (for lack of a better term) preacher up. The camera is low to the ground shooting up at him which dramatizes the mood. It's ironic since the speech is filled with comedy. The entire sequence plays with our expectation and makes for an uproarious opening.
Also the part where the stray dogs chase each other onto the coffin, god this was so funny.
I wanted to point out the switch to handheld camera during the first fight. It puts us, the viewer, in the fight. Instead of watching it from the sideline, the fight is happening all around us. This adds to the chaos, especially with the jittery camerawork.
I don't have the background in studying the western genre to get all the in-jokes in 'Support Your Local Sherrif'. One obvious parody of the genre is the choice to outfit the hero in all black. Also I did recognize the heavy use of the panning technique.
From the slow reveal of James Garner pictured above. To the wide shot of the town pictured below. The camera starts low and then cranes up in both cases. It appeals to the grandeur of the west and the pace of life out there.
Recommended. The humor feels way out of date. It reminded me of the T.V. series 'Get Smart'. Especially the whole jail gag when the prisoner is helping build the wall. So if 'Get Smart' style humor is your style, and it should be, you'll enjoy this one.
