“The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid” (1972) is a film that tries to put a new spin on the story of Jesse James and his gang. Directed by Philip Kaufman, known for his thoughtful films, this movie is a mix of comedy and Western that often misses the mark. While it features strong performances from Cliff Robertson and Robert Duvall, it suffers from a silly score and awkward storytelling.
Key Points
A Disjointed Plot
The film begins with the Missouri State Legislature about to pardon Jesse James and his gang. However, the Pinkerton detective agency has other plans. Jesse (played by Duvall) and Cole Younger (Robertson) decide to rob the Northfield bank, which is the largest bank west of the Mississippi. They even convince the greedy banker to encourage townspeople to deposit their money. Unfortunately, the robbery goes horribly wrong, leading to chaos as the gang is pursued by a trigger-happy posse.
Kaufman’s take on the Western genre is meant to be irreverent and goofy, but it often feels aimless. The film lacks the depth and grit found in classic Westerns like “The Wild Bunch.” Instead, it leans toward a lighthearted approach that sometimes feels more like fluff than a serious narrative.
Character Dynamics
In this version of the James legend, Cole is portrayed as the brains of the operation, while Jesse is depicted as a violent man stuck in the past, still fighting the Civil War. The film attempts to show Northfield as a place of capitalist greed, with scheming bankers taking advantage of naive townspeople. However, this Robin Hood angle is undermined by Jesse’s violent actions, making it hard to sympathize with him.
The humor in the film is hit-or-miss. Some scenes, like a lengthy baseball interlude, drag on too long, even if they have a funny payoff. The townspeople are often shown as gullible and greedy, which leads to comedic moments, but the humor can feel cartoonish and lacks sophistication.
Direction and Pacing Issues
Kaufman’s direction is another weak point. While there are moments of rich period detail, the overall pacing is awkward, and the narrative feels disjointed. The shootouts, including the bank robbery, lack excitement and fail to deliver the tension expected in a Western. In contrast, other films like “The Long Riders” manage to create more engaging action scenes.
Strong Performances Amidst Weaknesses
Despite its flaws, the film features solid performances. Cliff Robertson’s portrayal of Cole Younger stands out as thoughtful and nuanced. In contrast, Robert Duvall’s performance as Jesse is over-the-top, often chewing the scenery. The supporting cast, including Luke Askew, R.G. Armstrong, and Matt Clark, adds depth to the story, but they can’t fully compensate for the film’s shortcomings.
A Disappointing Experience
Overall, “The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid” is a disappointment. It tries to blend humor with a Western narrative but often falls flat. Those who enjoy quirky Westerns might find some value in it, but for many viewers, it lacks the thematic depth, interesting violence, and genuine humor that make a great film.
In conclusion, while Kaufman had the potential to create a compelling story, the execution leaves much to be desired. The film is a missed opportunity in the Western genre, failing to deliver a satisfying experience for audiences. If you’re looking for a classic Western with depth and excitement, you might want to look elsewhere.
