Although The Quick and the Dead (1995) tanked at the box office upon it's release, it has come to be a lasting Cult film over the years, for a number of reasons. For one, it both re-imagined and revived the context in which Western films are viewed... having much in common with it's forbears, but also looking ahead with a fresh approach. For another, it provided a good springboard and showcase for lesser known stars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. Gene Hackman, of course, is always a great villain. Most importantly, it served to be the strongest effort and performance by underrated talent Sharon Stone. Serving as both co-producer and star of The Quick and the Dead, Stone held a lot of sway over important decisions... such as choosing the director. Her choice of Sam Raimi was perfect, with his style combining a good balance of homage and originality. For Stone herself, the part of "the Lady" would come to personify much of her own self image. It is certainly amongst her most powerful roles and ranks up in the annals of Western Film History. True West Magazine recently named her character, "The Lady", #1 on their list of bad-ass female gunslingers.
A gun-toting, sexy beauty known only as "The Lady" (Sharon Stone) rides into the town of Redemption...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
The town is run by the ruthless John Herod (Gene Hackman), and many people have a score or a grudge to settle with him...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Russell Crowe and Gene Hackman |
including the Lady...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
The Town is hosting a dueling competition for a cash prize of $123,000 and a number of folks enter. Including Herod's son, Fee "The Kid" (Leonardo DiCaprio)...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Leonardo DiCaprio |
and a former outlaw-turned-preacher named Cort (Russell Crowe), who is being forced to participate by Herod...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Russell Crowe |
The Lady sees the contest as a perfect arena in which to exact her revenge on Herod...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
The Lady takes a liking to The Kid...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone and Leonardo DiCaprio |
and they find common ground...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
and she comes to relate to Cort as well...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995 |
but when the clock strikes the hour, the shooting begins...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
and there is no room for sentimentality...
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| The Quick and the Dead. 1995: Sharon Stone |
