Junior Bonner is Jeb Rosebrook's masterpiece, subtly understated and richly rewarding. In 1972, it provided director Sam Peckinpah with a unique opportunity to return to his roots and deliver a portrayal of the modern American West. In this wonderfully written memoir, Rosebrook captures the creative conflicts that are inevitable as words become images. It depicts a classic confrontation between a talented young screenwriter and tyrannical director whose personal visions merge to make a classic motion picture. A must-read for anyone interested in the reality behind great moviemaking.
Junior Bonner (1972) is the best rodeo film that's ever been made. It was the best script Sam ever got his hands on....Junior Bonner is truer to the human element behind the sport than any other rodeo film. It's Sam's one Western film where the protagonists survive the transition-at least for another day. The wreck might still be coming for Junior Bonner another mile or so down the road. That was the story of Sam, too.
Without the pressure of being commercially successful the film is one of McQueen's and Peckinpah's finest films, dealing with the human heart. The combination of deft performances, inspired writing and directing, and the authentic feel of the locations resulted in a rare experience., in the words of McQueen's next costar Ali MacGraw, who proclaimed, "Such a beautiful, perfect film!
