If "Bite the Bullet" sentimentalizes the independence and force of ordinary men without glamor who have to struggle for a prize in a hard, bitter, and lonely environment, it also examines the cruel or inhumane treatment often inflicted on animals
"Bite the Bullet" is an all-star Western about a 700-mile horse race that takes place in the middle of 'Nowhere, USA' at the turn of the last century, for a chance to win the grand prize of $2000
At the head of the line is Gene Hackman, an ex-Rough Rider who believes in caring for lame animals, and despises cruelty to horses, ladies in distress, lost kids and lost causes
Hackman has got the heart, and at the film's climax, he is the sleeperthe one to beat
His old-timer friend from fighting days at San Juan Hill is James Coburn, a natural-born gambler who certainly can't afford to lose
He just bet everything on this race, and got seven-to-one
Coburn and Hackman have a great chemistry together, and their friendly rivalry imposes the name of the game
Also riding: Candice Bergen, who has 'two thousand reasons' to compete in the race; Ben Johnson who desperately wants to win the prize to be a man to remember; Ian Bannen, the tough Englishman who comes 5,000 miles to beat the best; Mario Arteaga, the cool Mexican who needs the money for his loving family in spite of suffering from unbearable toothache; and Jan Michael-Vincent who brings the lower calibrations of judgment, antagonism, and rage to his interactions... This punk kid certainly has a knack of provoking a man to violence
He soon will be in his own best way to learn some life lessons from 'real' cowboys...
Brooks' movie has the courage to show how beauty can flourish in our treatments for animals
He accomplished a film that is beautifully photographed and expertly put together
Brooks leaves a whole host of abiding impressions through his nine riders' true character
