The Missouri Breaks Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A horse thief tries to settle down but a flamboyant, carrot-obsessed bounty hunter with a questionable Irish accent ruins everything, leading to a messy love triangle and even messier deaths.

🍿 The Missouri Breaks: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hanging and the Retaliation

In 1880s Montana, Tom Logan (Jack Nicholson) leads a gang of horse thieves. Their activities are disrupted when rancher David Braxton (John McLiam) hangs one of their members for stealing. The gang, angered by this act of frontier justice, decides to retaliate. They plan to buy a farm near Braxton’s land as a base of operations to continue their rustling and exact revenge.

A New Ranch and a Forbidden Romance

Logan purchases a ranch adjacent to Braxton’s property, using it as a cover for his horse-stealing activities. While his gang rustles horses, Logan begins a relationship with Braxton’s daughter, Jane (Kathleen Lloyd). Their romance blossoms despite the animosity between Logan and her father. Jane, resenting her father’s tyrannical nature, finds herself drawn to Logan’s rebellious spirit.

The Regulator Arrives

Determined to stop the horse thefts and avenge his foreman’s death, Braxton hires Robert E. Lee Clayton (Marlon Brando), a notorious and eccentric ‘regulator.’ Clayton arrives in Montana, bringing with him a strange persona and a deadly reputation. His methods are unorthodox and brutal, making him a formidable threat to Logan and his gang. He proceeds to hunt down Logan’s gang members one by one.

Clayton’s Hunt

Clayton employs various disguises and tactics to eliminate Logan’s gang. He kills members using a combination of cunning, long-range shooting, and bizarre methods. His unpredictable behavior and unsettling presence create an atmosphere of fear and tension. Clayton’s eccentricity is displayed through his unusual attire, strange dialogue, and habit of serenading his horse.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Logan (Jack Nicholson): The charismatic leader of a gang of horse thieves who attempts to settle down but is hunted by a ruthless regulator.
• Lee Clayton (Marlon Brando): An eccentric and sadistic regulator hired to hunt down horse thieves, employing unconventional and brutal methods.
• David Braxton (John McLiam): A wealthy and ruthless rancher who hires a regulator to deal with horse thieves threatening his property.
• Jane Braxton (Kathleen Lloyd): The daughter of a rancher who develops a complex relationship with a horse thief.
• Little Tod (Randy Quaid): A member of Logan’s gang who meets a grim end at the hands of Clayton.
• Calvin (Harry Dean Stanton): Logan’s closest partner in the gang that gets killed by Clayton dressing as Granny.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Logan: “Keep the dang thing, I don’t want it!” – Said humorously by Logan during an exchange with Jane Braxton.
• Robert E. Lee Clayton: “Granny’s tired now.” – Spoken by Clayton after killing Cal, while dressed as an old woman, adding to his bizarre and unsettling persona.
• Jane Braxton: “Do you want to have sexual intercourse?” – Jane’s forward proposition to Tom, reflecting the film’s subversion of traditional Western gender roles.
• Tom Logan: “You know what woke you up? You just had your throat cut!” – Logan’s chilling final words to Clayton after slitting his throat, marking the end of their deadly game.
• Hellsgate rancher: “They call this country Hell’s Gate. When my dad came in here, it was nothing but a bunch of savage Indians. And Jesuits. Old Thomas Jefferson said that he was a warrior so his son could be a farmer, so *his* son could be a poet. And I raise cattle so my son can be a merchant, so his son can move to Newport, Rhode Island and buy a sailboat and never see one of these bastard-ass sons of bitching mountains again.” – The rancher delivers a monologue that encapsulates the myth of the American West and its generational evolution, with a touch of irony.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $18,523

💥 The Missouri Breaks Reviews

Personal Review

I was initially drawn to ‘The Missouri Breaks’ because of Brando and Nicholson. Brando’s character is so weird and unsettling, it’s hard to look away. I found myself questioning what was real and what was a figment of his imagination. The ending felt abrupt, but it somehow fit the film’s unpredictable nature. This movie is far from perfect, but it’s definitely a unique take on the Western genre. I’d recommend this film if you enjoy something different and appreciate the skill of both stars.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of revisionist Westerns”
  • “Those interested in unconventional characters”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People interested in the work of Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Graphic depictions of death”
  • “Some sexual content”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Arthur Penn’s ‘The Missouri Breaks’ offers a revisionist Western experience, elevated by compelling performances but hampered by tonal inconsistencies. Marlon Brando’s eccentric portrayal of the ‘regulator’ steals scenes, overshadowing Jack Nicholson’s nuanced lead. The film’s exploration of moral ambiguity is thought-provoking but overall, it’s an enjoyable and interesting watch.
• The New York Times: “‘The Missouri Breaks’ is a visually arresting and atmospheric Western that struggles to find its footing. Brando’s larger-than-life performance adds a layer of intrigue. Nicholson holds his own. Despite its shortcomings, the film’s exploration of the changing West and its unique characters makes it a worthwhile cinematic journey.

Audience Reactions

Brando’s outlandish performance is either loved or hated, making it a memorable experience.: Viewers appreciate the unusual nature of the film, calling it an atypical western that stands out from the crowd.

The clash between Brando’s flamboyance and Nicholson’s understated performance creates an interesting dynamic.: Fans appreciate the chemistry between Brando and Nicholson and the supporting cast deliver strong performances

Overall Consensus: ‘The Missouri Breaks’ is a divisive film, praised for its stellar acting and unique approach to the Western genre, but criticized for its uneven tone and confusing narrative. This movie is still worth watching for the strong acting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Marlon Brando’s eccentric performance and improvisations were largely unscripted, causing friction on set and dividing critics upon the film’s release.”
• “Jack Nicholson reportedly did not enjoy working with Marlon Brando due to Brando’s reliance on cue cards, which Nicholson found distracting.”
• “The film’s script was written by Thomas McGuane, a National Book Award winner known for his ‘revisionist westerns,’ aiming for a morally ambiguous and historically truthful depiction of the West.”
• “John Williams composed the score for ‘The Missouri Breaks’ between his work on ‘Jaws’ and ‘Star Wars’.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Missouri Breaks?

The Missouri Breaks is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Missouri Breaks, you might like these similar films:

• McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971): A revisionist Western directed by Robert Altman, challenging traditional genre conventions with morally ambiguous characters and a realistic portrayal of frontier life.
• One-Eyed Jacks (1961): Marlon Brando directed and starred in this psychologically complex western about betrayal and revenge, showcasing his unique approach to the genre.
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Also directed by Arthur Penn, it similarly blends violence and eccentricity while challenging traditional genre archetypes and featuring charismatic anti-heroes.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Focuses on the dark side of ambition and the ruthless pursuit of wealth in the American West, echoing ‘The Missouri Breaks’ unsettling atmosphere.
• The Long Riders (1980): A character-driven Western depicting the infamous James-Younger gang, with a focus on complex character dynamics and revisionist themes.

🛒 The Missouri Breaks Related Products

• The Missouri Breaks (Limited Edition Blu-ray): High-definition transfer of the film with director’s commentary and behind-the-scenes footage, packaged in a collector’s edition box.
• Western Movie Poster Collection: A curated collection of high-quality posters featuring iconic Western films, including ‘The Missouri Breaks’, printed on archival paper.
• Brando: A Life in Our Times: Richard Schickel’s biography delves into the life and career of Marlon Brando, exploring his most iconic roles and personal struggles.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (PlayStation 4): An epic open-world game set in the American West, allowing players to experience the life of an outlaw with a rich narrative and immersive gameplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Missouri Breaks features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by John Williams
• “Love Theme From The Missouri Breaks” – performed by John Williams
• “Oh! Susanna” – performed by Cast

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Kevin Spacey funny Jack Nicholson Story #shorts @lexfridman

Ever wonder what it was like hanging out with Jack Nicholson back in the day? Kevin Spacey tells a hilarious story that gives you a peek – and it involves a *lot* of weed. You gotta hear this!

The Missouri Breaks: Nasty Old Bats

Marlon Brando is just on another level in this movie. Check out this classic scene where he describes exactly how it’s done – pure Brando gold!

Missouri Breaks – I Just Said That.

This movie has some strange scenes but I’m telling you Brando’s acting is just amazing. Check out this crazy horse trick scene.

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