Cast
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Mel Gibson
as Bret Maverick
Jodie Foster
as Annabelle Bransford
James Garner
as Marshal Zane Cooper
Graham Greene
as Joseph
Alfred Molina
as Angel
James Coburn
as Commodore Duvall
Dub Taylor
as Room Clerk
Geoffrey Lewis
as Matthew Wicker / Eugene, Banker
Paul L. Smith
as The Archduke
Dan Hedaya
as Twitchy, Riverboat Poker Player
Dennis Fimple
as Stuttering
Denver Pyle
as Old Gambler on Riverboat
Clint Black
as Sweet-Faced Gambler
Max Perlich
as Johnny Hardin
Art LaFleur
as Poker Player
Crew
Director
- Richard Donner
Writer
- William Goldman
Producer
- Bruce Davey
- Richard Donner
Reviews
John Chard
From the moment I slapped eyes on this hombre, I smelled trouble. And re-fried beans.
Maverick is directed by Richard Donner and written by William Goldman. It stars Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster and James Garner, with support coming from Alfred Molina, Graham Greene and James Coburn. The music is scored by Randy Newman and Vilmos Zsigmond is on photography. It's based on the 1950s television series of the same name and the plot finds Gibson as Maverick and follows his attempt to take his place in a major five-card draw poker tournament. With Foster and Garner in tow, there's plenty of adventures and misadventures along the way.
After Costner's Dances With Wolves and Eastwood's Unforgiven had reignited interest in the Western genre in the 90s, Richard Donner and his team felt the time was right to unleash a light hearted Western on the mainstream audience. Timing was important, as was the casting, but Maverick is the sort of family friendly fun that could in truth be released at any time in any decade and still be a hit at the box office. It's not particularly clever in narrative or themes, but with its blending of action, romance and comedy seamlessly coming together as a whole, Maverick is practically hard to dislike. Even the cast seem to be having a real good time, with Gibson smooth and roguish, Foster dainty yet spunky and Garner (the original Maverick from the TV show) offering up a sort of stoic maturity over proceedings; with all three playing the comedy with ease (how great it is to see Foster in such a role). Donner and Goldman have also shown respect to both the TV show and the Western in general (check out those lovely landscapes), while it's always fun to play spot the numerous stars in the cameos.
Harmless fluff, then, but always watchable and never once over reaching itself by trying to be something it's not. 7.5/10
Jun 10, 2017
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Maverick examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Richard Donner 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1994, 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 Maverick took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $75.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 127 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2447 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 436 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 1994, when this film was released:
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Maverick shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Sugarland Express, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Maverick offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like 3:10 to Yuma and Wild Orchids explore similar territory, Maverick stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: May 20, 1994
- Runtime: 2h 7m
- Budget: $75,000,000
- Revenue: $183,031,272
