Lee Marvin Walks Into A Bar

Lee Marvin VS. Gene Hackman. That alone is enough to get the average 1970's film fetishist foaming at the mouth. But, for all of the gunfire, pitchfork-tossing, and knuckle-dusting in "Prime Cut," I can't help but wonder if its major point of departure is not the feminist movement. Throughout the film, bulky white men treat women like cattle, going so far as to keep them in pens full of hay. Gene Hackman's character, Mary Ann, justifies this action by stating: "I know this country. What I'm sellin', they're buyin'." And what's he selling? Hogflesh, cowflesh, and woman flesh. My favorite moment is towards the end: Gentle, Mantovani-esque music plays as Lee Marvin stalks a gang of overall-clad hitmen in a field full of sunflowers. It's Tarantino meets Anne Geddes, and it's fucking truly inspired.

It's also worth noting that this weird-ass, banana-clip-loading tour de force also features Sissy Spacek at her most beautiful. If you love technicolor film stock, Gene Hackman circa 1974, and Lee Marvin's tough-as-nails deadpan gaze, what are you thinking? Stop reading this blog and go rent PRIME CUT.