The Wasteland Reviewer

Hidden in the Wasteland: Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)

Why don’t all great movies get the credit they deserve? Films might be completely lost over time and might not have the distribution rights to reappear on streaming today. Some films might get lost in the shadow of better or more iconic films by the same director. A film can go under the radar in theaters because of limited releases or being overshadowed by bigger, more successful films. Films can even get lost in the immense libraries on streaming services. But these films we don’t talk about enough deserve that spotlight…welcome to Hidden in the Wasteland!

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)

What films do you think of when someone brings up westerns? There are so many great westerns over the years, especially during the 30s, 40s, and 50s. This was certainly the peak era for what is considered “traditional” westerns. The 60s gave way to Spaghetti Western and the 70s and 80s were mostly dominated by all things Clint Eastwood. But that peak period gave us Stagecoach, High Noon, The Searchers, Rio Bravo, and so many other films. But this was a time when filmmakers began exploring the limits of the western with ideas of neo-westerns and placing stories in more modern times. One of the best yet still underappreciated of this time was John Sturges’ Bad Day at Black Rock.

What makes this film such an effective neo-western? Sturges had created some of the most exciting westerns of the era with the pulpy and engrossing The Magnificent Seven being one of the defining ones. But Sturges leans into a different, more intense vibe for Bad Day at Black Rock. The setting certainly feels ripped right out of the old west. Out in eastern California, we find a small desert town with only a handful of residents who all seem to be collectively in the same place. The setting is expertly crafted as it gives the isolated and lawless feel that so many great traditional westerns have. There are plenty of motifs as well with Spencer Tracy’s John J. Macready feeling like a classic gunslinger riding into town (this time on a train). There are some rough and tough cowboy types in the ensemble as well with Ernest Borgnine and Lee Marvin channeling those vibes purposefully. There is an old school jailhouse with a useless sheriff and all, as well as a single powerful and corrupt individual who rules the roost (Robert Ryan’s Reno Smith). The film even comes down to a standoff (with a creative twist).

But what are the other genre elements that make this film so impactful? This is such a compelling and engrossing psychological thriller with tinges of noir. Not only is Macready a gunslinger type, but he is also a mystery. Tracy does a great job of creating a mystery and aura around this character. He is not quick to reveal his motivations, his intent, his past, or his limitations. Not only is our protagonist quite the enigma but so is this town. Something is certainly going on here. All the townsfolk seem to be hellbent on finding out why Macready is there and trying to make him decide not to be there. These two forces clash so perfectly and heighten the tension so well through (Sturges sharp and intense direction makes quite the impact). The music from Andre Previn does plenty of heavy lifting as well. This boiler keg of tension is fascinating and engrossing. The most impressive element just might be its lean 81-minute runtime which is so satisfying.

What truly brings this tense situation to life? The cast does some amazing work here. Tracy is strong, stalwart, and intense. As the film goes on, you can start feeling some of the cracks which make this performance even more vulnerable and empathetic. Ryan is so arrogant and imposing from his well-crafted presence. Borgnine and Marvin do a great job of being intense and intimidating. Walter Brennan is one of the most welcomed additions to the cast with his wispy voice of reason making such a significant piece to this puzzle. You even get a young and beautiful Anne Francis who stands out as a representation of Ryan’s corruption.

But what has made this film stand the test of time? This is a western with something serious to say. Just 10 years after the end of WWII, American society had not grappled with the implications of its racism and destructive actions towards Japanese Americans during WWII. This was the first film to confront the internment camps that the United States government had created. The impressively crafted and intense mystery is deeply rooted in the racism of our history. Tracy represents a figure trying to honor the contributions of Japanese Americans in defending out nation. Ryan represents the destructive hate that almost destroyed them. The thematic undercurrents and narrative motivations deepen this film in such impactful ways. Bad Day at Black Rock is not just another neo-western…there is something so much deeper here.

What makes Bad Day at Black Rock a hidden gem? This is an excellent example of a neo-western before this was a popular twist on the genre. The film is also a thrilling melding of genres with some great thriller elements. The cast is stacked with some of the best actors of the time. There is also a much deeper meaning and context to the film as well.