Cast
View All
Will Smith
as Capt. James West
Kevin Kline
as U.S. Marshal Artemus Gordon / President Grant
Kenneth Branagh
as Dr. Arliss Loveless
Salma Hayek Pinault
as Rita Escobar
M. Emmet Walsh
as Coleman
Ted Levine
as General 'Bloodbath' McGrath
Frederique van der Wal
as Amazonia
Musetta Vander
as Munitia
Sofia Eng
as Miss Lippenrieder
Garcelle Beauvais
as Belle
Bai Ling
as Miss East
Rodney A. Grant
as Hudson
E.J. Callahan
as Mr. Pinkerton
Debra Christofferson
as Dora Look-Alike
Buck Taylor
as Cross-Eyed Reb
Crew
Director
- Barry Sonnenfeld
Producer
- Barry Sonnenfeld
- Jon Peters
Reviews
John Chard
Steampunk Blockbusterdom!
Barry Sonnenfeld's Wild Wild West is a film that I have avoided for over 15 years. I have no frame of reference with the source materials, but even though I'm a big Westerns fan, it wasn't this, or the critical pounding it got on release, that kept me away. It was the original trailers for it, it just looked like a garbled over budgeted mess - which it kinda is.
However, that's not to say there isn't fun to be had, because for all its many failings (poor effects, poor script, waste of a strong cast, superficiality), there is some verve and swagger, excitement, Will Smith's likability and some splendid gadgets. Having very low expectations no doubt helped me out, but I would hardly call this a 1/10 type of film. I say chill out with a beer, turn the home cinema speakers up and just roll with it, because thinking about it too deeply could possibly make you angry... 5/10
Feb 28, 2016
r96sk
I felt entertained by this.
It is a very bonkers film, though it actually works stupidly well in my opinion - the steampunk theme helps it of course. Will Smith and Kevin Kline are a good pairing as West and Gordon. Kenneth Branagh (Arliss) is amusing, I rate his character's design too.
I will say the effects around Smith and Kline haven't aged gracefully, but for everything else around them it still looks quite nice. I enjoyed the train shenanigans in particular. Salma Hayek (Rita) is kinda pointless in this, she's basically just there for gratuitous sexual reasons.
The film does also try to cram in an (obviously positive) message regarding racists and the such, which doesn't really fit and isn't as developed as could've been. <em>'Wild Wild West'</em> is at its best when it's being amusing.
A brainless watch. I'd, personally, recommend it - though a lot of people would evidently disagree with me.
Sep 3, 2020
Peter89Spencer
THE GOOD:
1) It's funny
2) Got good action
3) The music video is awesome
4) It stars Will Smith and Kevin Kline
THE BAD:
1) It didn't live up to the original series
2) Over the top storyline
3) I hate spiders!
THE UGLY:
1) This rating right here!
Aug 26, 2021
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Comedy/Science Fiction/Western film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Wild Wild West distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Barry Sonnenfeld brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1999, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Wild Wild West took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $170.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 106 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 150 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1507 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 361 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1999, when this film was released:
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Wild Wild West shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hard to Kill, which focuses more on action than character development, Wild Wild West subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Flubber and Quigley Down Under explore similar territory, Wild Wild West stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 30, 1999
- Runtime: 1h 46m
- Budget: $170,000,000
- Revenue: $222,104,681
