#6: High Plains Drifter
A divisive Western that prompted John Wayne himself to pen a letter of disapproval, this 1973 film is darker than many of its Western contemporaries. Despite the blowback from some, High Plains Drifter proved to be a box-office success and was lauded for its unique allegorical storytelling.
The first Western he both directed and starred in, Clint Eastwood took full advantage of his leverage, opting against shooting on a studio backlot and instead electing to film on location; having an entire town built in just 18 days.
The man certainly had a vision for the film, and the result is a little bit Western and a little bit ghost story, but absolutely one of a kind.
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About the Author
Born and raised in South Texas, Cavender Neutze is a writer who prefers to start his days with breakfast tacos and end them with classic Westerns. After graduating with a degree in Telecommunication Media Studies from Texas A&M University in 2014, Cavender began his journalistic career covering every collegiate sport under the sun. Since 2021, he has returned to his cowboy roots as a contributor for INSP. An avid golfer, reader, and lover of history, Cavender is always willing to wax poetically on the values espoused by generations who came before him.
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