bUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID - 1969

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, written by William Goldman and directed by George Roy Hill, bathes you in beautiful cinematography from the first frame to the last. The opening scene resonates with me particularly, as the card game reveals a glimpse of the true character relationship between Butch Cassidy (Paul Newman) and the Sundance Kid (Robert Redford). This scene begins with a medium-shot of two bodies in the foreground with Sundance in the back, hustling the gamblers with a cold and collected demeanor. 

Here, cinematographer, Conrad L. Hall uses a medium-shot to show the relationship of the characters and the environment. By pushing Sundance to the back we are subtly told that he will continue to be in the background not only in the title but in the film. Butch Cassidy seems to be the larger protagonist, as the boss of a gang of western outlaws, bank robbers, and train chasers he promises much action with Sundance ever there to keep cover. However, in this scene Sundance is center screen and commands the poor losers to ask him to “Stick around” when they want nothing but the opposite. It is as though Sundance is flashing his gun to remind the gamblers of his power over them. Not much of a talker but a man that knows his place, Sundance then declines their forced offer to show once again that he is the one in control. This is a different approach than the affable Butch Cassidy who you’d love to have robbed you. Through this juxtaposition of buddy-buddy Butch and severe Sundance we learn that this is an odd pair… Yet, they somehow complete each other. Butch acts as the brains and is the main schemer of his gang. Sundance is the brawns; though he isn’t the largest physically his power lies within his trigger finger. The scene above highlights this so well as Butch Cassidy would rather part ways as soon as possible, rather  than stretch tensions further. But the two share bond thick as thieves and show there mutual respect and trust constantly. From jumping while not having the ability to swim, to breaking morals to aid your ally; Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid prove this and that they can be quite slippery. The lighting in this scene is very dark, there seems to be a light source to the right, illuminating only one side of Sundance’s face. This gives him an edge of mysterious and jumbles up the gamblers ability to completely understand his intentions. If not the audience, someone must keep an eye on Sundance because he has been known to pull out his gun as fast as one can blink. Robert Redford adapts to how comfortable Sundance is with a gun and deftly spins it around his finger. Again, this short scene shows the accomplished director and cinematographer. Forget the long shots of the spooky unknown chasers, and the pans of horses. However beautiful they maybe, these men can create movie magic in a seemingly poorly lit room. I definitely recommend this movie. 8/10

Sources: http://relapsereviews.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/butch_cassidy_and_the_sundance_kid.jpg; http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/ynh6iKqSO00/hqdefault.jpg