Fans of acclaimed director Walter Hill have been eagerly awaiting his latest film, “Dead for a Dollar,” which arrives after a six-year hiatus. At the age of 80, any pause in a director’s prolific career tends to raise eyebrows, and this time, the anticipation stems not only from Hill’s hiatus but also from the desire for a return to form after the polarizing “The Assignment.”
“Dead for a Dollar” proves to be a welcome departure from Hill’s previous work. Set in the vast and breathtaking landscapes of the American Southwest, the film introduces us to Elijah Jones, an Army deserter, and Rachel Kidd, whose relationship is shrouded in mystery—is she his willing companion or his abductee? The narrative kicks into high gear when Christoph Waltz’s Max Borlund, a seasoned bounty hunter, is hired to track down this unconventional pair.
The movie cleverly weaves a tale of revenge and redemption as Borlund confronts his past with Joe Cribbens, a gambler and bank robber. The plot thickens as Borlund, played by the remarkable Christoph Waltz, must navigate racial tensions, romantic complexities, and a dangerous Mexican land boss named Tiberio, portrayed by Benjamin Bratt.
Dedicated to the legendary Western director Budd Boetticher, “Dead for a Dollar” pays homage to the genre’s classics while injecting fresh elements into the storyline. The racial dynamics between Elijah Jones (Brandon Scott) and Rachel Kidd (Rachel Brosnahan) add an extra layer of tension to the narrative without overshadowing the overarching plot. The film explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and justice against the backdrop of a gripping Western setting.
Waltz delivers a stellar performance as Borlund, a character reminiscent of the classic Western heroes. His executive-producing role seems to have allowed him to revel in playing a straightforward hero, free from the complexities often associated with his characters. Willem Dafoe, as Joe Cribbens, brings vitality to his role, contributing to the overall intensity of the story.
While the film’s measured and terse style may not match the brilliance of Hill’s earlier masterpieces like “The Driver” and “The Long Riders,” “Dead for a Dollar” succeeds in delivering a suspenseful and well-orchestrated action climax. Some early scenes may find certain actors, notably Warren Burke and Rachel Brosnahan, finding their footing, but this doesn’t detract significantly from the overall satisfaction the film provides.
Having premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 6th, “Dead for a Dollar” promises an engaging cinematic experience for Western enthusiasts. As the film hits streaming platforms on September 30th, audiences can look forward to a compelling mix of tradition and innovation in this long-awaited return to the directorial prowess of Walter Hill.