Monday, Great Movies, 9:00pm
Ah, The Mexican (2001)—a film that promised us the electric pairing of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, only to keep them apart for most of the runtime. What we actually got was a quirky road movie with elements of crime, romance, and dark comedy, centering on a cursed antique pistol known as "The Mexican." Pitt plays Jerry, a bumbling low-level criminal tasked with retrieving the legendary gun, while Roberts’ character, Samantha, embarks on a parallel adventure involving a surprisingly philosophical hitman played by the ever-brilliant James Gandolfini. The film is an odd mix of genres, occasionally tripping over its own ambitions, but it remains a charming, offbeat ride.
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the soundtrack. Enter the legendary Alan Silvestri, who crafts a sweeping, Ennio Morricone-esque score filled with whistling melodies, twangy guitars, and dramatic orchestration. The music is dripping with that classic Spaghetti Western influence, evoking the dusty landscapes and chaotic shootouts of Sergio Leone films. Silvestri’s work here is both playful and grand, providing the film with a richer, more cinematic feel than its uneven narrative might deserve. The soundtrack also features some fantastic Latin-inspired tracks, adding to the film’s off-kilter charm.
Though The Mexican received mixed reviews upon release, its soundtrack remains a highlight, particularly for fans of Western-infused scores. It may not be Pitt or Roberts' most iconic film, but it’s worth a revisit for the music alone. If you’re a collector of underrated film scores or just have a soft spot for Morricone-style orchestrations with a modern twist, The Mexican is a hidden gem. Plus, any film where Gandolfini steals every scene is worth your time, soundtrack or not.
- Paul Allen