They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

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Wayne K @RT88290232 2d A film as relentless and draining as the dance marathon at the centre of it, They Shoot Horses, Don’t They might have a ridiculous premise, but it becomes starkly depressing when you realise that not only would people definitely do this if they thought they had a shot at a cash prize, but it 100% would be marketed as a fun spectacle and not some grim game of death. It’s repetitive nature doesn’t always work in its favour, and as much acclaim as its received, I didn’t like Jane Fonda’s performance, mainly because she shows such little range. She’s basically snarky and sullen the whole time. Gig Young is the acting standout, mainly since he gets to have the most fun. It might not be much of a crowd pleaser but, as is common with films of the time, it certainly makes some bleak observations about human nature. See more Lauren H. @lholmes123 Jan 24 Beautiful and heartbreaking! See more Fred T @RT68041120 Jun 28 This was surprisingly good. Not yr usual american film tosh See more Julian S @akajulianscott 05/23/2025 Shot in sequence, and it shows. The pace sags at times—just as it would in a real-time dance marathon—but Fonda carves through, weary and razor-sharp, a bracing contrast to the vaudeville around her. She’s our anchor. We move in lockstep with her. See more Doris B @DorriePA 02/22/2025 I watched this movie, years ago. One of the most depressing, but thought-provoking representations of the desperation of the Depression, and the lengths people were willing to go to, to get money just to survive! It is an incredible movie, but hard to get through, because you really feel for these people. See more Russ G @RT78760655 12/25/2024 It might have resonated with those old enough to have lived through the depression, but hasn't aged well as modern audiences won't put much stock in it. The cinematography, sets, and costumes are all well done but it relies far too much on atmospherics with little of the characters' motivations explained. The only characters for whom I had any respect were the minor ones who got a few meals and a place to stay for a few days and had the good sense to move on. Bruce Dern's character torturing his pregnant partner was just too much; I was expecting a miscarriage as part of this sick plot line. It's two hours of absurdity, cruelty, and mental illness that seems to have little point besides the male lead reciting the title as the closing line. Fonda's character turns from determined to the ultimate quitter. It's New Hollywood but it's far from new anymore so give it a hard pass. See more Read all reviews

They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

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