Unforgiven

Hollywood at its best, with everything that implies. Updated Western from Clint Eastwood.
How is this novel not your traditional western? The failings of the central characters, though not entirely new, are depicted as central in a distinct way. The lingering on the consequences of violence are certainly rare in the 'classic' western. Eastwood is obviously playing on his legacy as 'The Man With No Name' and, whatever one may say about his acting (not always great, a little speechifying) he looks excellent. The dialogue and gritty roughness of the interiors also are something that strives at more authenticity, and, without saying what really IS more authentic, a new atmosphere is certainly created.
An interesting aspect of this movie is the use of woman. They play a central role in a manner that is differing from the traditional misogynist use in Westerns. However, the men do reamin the central characters, and a few extra lingering shots can seem a little bit like a 'concession' rather than central. This is slightly unfair; there is obviously good intentions here, and we do get character development. This does though remain a man's film.
The themes that are flagged up, of ageing, of killing, of change, are all well rehearsed. If in the classic Hollywood manner they are rather introduced, and then simply left to percolate around an exciting plot, this is the nature of the Hollywood beast.
The story is well told, Eastwood directs films that are immensely pleasurable to watch. Smooth, well told storys. The end may be a slight wish-fulfillment cop-out, not quite cashing the cheques of the 'pathetic' we were led to believe, but it remains engaging and exciting throughout. The backdrops are classic Western, the bar room and gun scenes look well within that aesthetic.
All told, an immensely entertaining and exciting Hollywood film, which has some intelligence behind it. Challenging the presentation of these themes is not an attack on the film, but rather the wider cinematic tradition it was raised within.