Blue (1968)

Memorable, crazy movie

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

This is an excellent movie.Blue (Terrence Stamp) is an American rescued (actually kidnapped as a child) by the leader, Ortega (Ricardo Montalban), of a Mexican band of criminals. He is separated from the gang in a failed raid, meets the beautiful and lovely Joanne Morton (Joanna Pettet), and falls in love with her. His former gang and his stepfather want him back, and at any cost to him and anyone who stands in the way or by his side.The movie Blue is based in an excellent screenplay by Ronald M. Cohen, that provides a good story and interesting dialogue for the film's main actors, many of whom were very familiar because of their extensive TV exposure at the time. Karl Malden, Joanna Pettet, and Ricardo Montalban were all very recognizable characters to TV audiences in the 1960's.I don't know if there is any explanation, but Karl Malden appeared in a number of western movies from 1960 to 1970; including the Nevada Smith, How the West was Won, Cheyenne Autumn, The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin, Blue, and Wild Rovers. He did not appear in westerns before or after this decade (1960 to 1970). His performance in Blue is excellent. He plays the resolute character with strong convictions that he does so well.Joanna Pettet was an underrated and under-performing actress. Directors never seemed to take this actor to her potential. She does a wonderful job in this movie, playing both a vulnerable woman and a strong lover. I found myself worrying more about Blue (Terrence Stamp) because of Joanne Morton (Joanna Pettet) character's love for Blue.Blue (Terence Stamp) is the intense young man possessing an extremely dangerous skillset (he is a gunfighter and a killer). He is confused by his conflicting loyalties (his sudden love for a woman he has just met that opposes his gang affiliation).My only negative comment on this film is Terrence Stamp's strong British accent that seems out of place for an American kidnapped by Mexicans.

"Blue" seems to be a western that was made with the intention to mix elements of Hollywood westerns at the time with elements from Italian westerns made at the same time. With two sensibilities aimed at, it's probably no surprise that the end results are kind of uneven. Terence Stamp's character seems to have been concocted as some kind of silent spaghetti western individual, but he is so silent and aloof that it's hard to figure out what is going on in this cowboy's head. The problem is made worse by the pacing of the movie, which is really slow and didn't have to be stretched out to almost two hours in length. And there are some plot details that seem unfinished, like the romance that is brewed up between Blue and the daughter of the man who brings him in. Still, there are some good moments here and there, the photography of the movie is magnificent, and I have to admit that the movie has some sort of hypnotising spell that's hard to explain. As I indicated earlier, this movie is kind of mixed bag, so I think it's best reserved for western fans who are patient and are willing to put up with some flaws.

Maimed by melodrama yet iconic in imagery. Strange and evocative. With Brit, Terence Stamp playing "Blue" or "Azule" depending on which side of the American/ Mexican border you're on, the film surprises and I find myself watching it again. Certain scenes register effectively and haunt such as Azule's impromptu execution of a captain. Mounted on his steed, Azule simply scoops up the officer, performs the deed and follows with a ritual of circling the victim after words. The poignant ruthlessness of this act silences even hardened men. Stamp does this with such ease and 'style' that it leaves an impression that continues to shock. All humour stops in that instant. There is something iconic here that traumatizes and replays itself - leaving a silent and remote character that is truly formidable. The others fear him and Stamp's gun play is impressive, especially in it's relish. Conflict and violence give him pleasure and the action is good. Cultures collide and this results in the film's indelible imagery. The look of the ragtag bandit bunch contrasts well with the Sunday best of the homesteaders who inhabit this film. The hunt and chase scene through cornfields is quiet vivid, realistic and leaves a crisp impression. Great photography throughout. The fabulous stunt riding that belies the wild flamboyance and daring of these bandits is very apt indeed. So well done and enjoyable to watch. Crazy good. Azule's apparent transformation to gentleman is fun as the mystery man charms the ladies at an evening social and caps a challenge from his antagonist with a classic line - "I'm tired Mr. Parker...particularly of you" before retiring. A class act. However,there is rage within.This film's budget should have demanded more accent coaching for Mr. Stamp but his performance is still appealing. Stamp seems to use any awkwardness to dramatic effect and to his advantage proving he is one terrific actor. Joanna Pettet although truly beautiful is lacking. Maybe she lacked that femme fatal or something to warrant betrayal and the tragedy which follows.A tale of loyalty, love and betrayal by an already torn man. Well worth watching over despite it's defects and the action is good.

As a long-time Terence Stamp fan, I finally was able to rent this video after a long search. I don't care if Terence's cockney accent slipped through now and then. It didn't distract me from watching his beautiful performance as Azul/Blue, who finds it difficult to fit into either world: the Mexican world to which he belonged after his parents were killed and he was found by the "bandit" Ortega, or the world of the "gringo" from which he came. There was some residual "Billy Budd" quality in this film which may have been unintended on Stamp's part. It was a delight to see Stamp in this role -he is such a natural. The ending was somewhat enigmatic, but the filming of the last scenes in the river were beautiful, believable, and tragic.