Home from the Hill, 1960 - ★★★★

The shifting mores of American society are on full display in this CinemaScope melodramatic Western. The “real men” in this film end up as posturing cowards when confronted with the consequences of their actions.

Those who have borne the scars of their indifference are the heroes of this film, despite their nominal low status (the bastard son, an unwanted pregnancy, a frigid wife) and given real agency and emotional depth.

Would love to see more melodramas shot today with this level of craftsmanship and mise en scene.

The form and aesthetic of Minnelli’s direction completely serves the film’s function.

Eminently watchable!