Junior Bonner, written by Jeb Rosebrook - 8.2 out of 10

Junior Bonner, written by Jeb Rosebrook
8.2 out of 10


You can find Junior Bonner on The New York Times' Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made list.

I do not know why.
It is not on my best movies list.

Steve McQueen is like always in top form, but the story of rodeo champion does not interest this cinephile all that much.
Granted, it is surely a biased opinion, for the film takes place in MAGA country, Trump territory and the personages look too much as if they would vote for the fool in the White House today.

Then there is the male attitude that was typical for 1972, when the film was released, and places like Saudi Arabia, Brunei and so many more, but it feels awkward to see men treat women with a sexist attitude.
Take Ace Bonner, father of the hero, Junior Bonner aka Steve McQueen.

Early on, he grabs the behind of the nurse where he is hospitalized.
Just like the fake billionaire- the man with the biggest losses in history and yet claiming to know The Art of the Deal - who bragged about grabbing women by their pussy and then would be elected by evangelicals no less.

Sweet Jesus!

Ace Bonner is married to Elvira, a woman that I found somewhat or very unpleasant.
When they are present at a dance, the mistress of the old man appears.

And Ace hesitates, for the lover wants to dance.
His son, Junior, tells him that he had always reserved the first dance for his mother.

Hence, the Don Juan takes his wife and says he cannot dance with two partners!

Then there is the treatment reserved for animals.
Some trample over the human riders.

Junior Bonner, who used to be a champion, has had his share of grave knocks.
But men know what they are doing and they seek a bizarre, perverted pleasure in extreme danger.

What the poor creatures that have to suffer all sorts of pain and psychological torture.
At one point, both Junior and his father ride the former's horse, in a crazy manner.

Yes, they seem to have fun.
At that moment in time, animal welfare was not that big.

Not that it is a vital concern for most of the world today.

Perhaps this is one of the best motion pictures that you can see.
But I don't believe it.