Appaloosa is Harris’ first directorial effort since his Oscar-nominated debut, 2000’s Pollock. Shot with minimal bluntness, the screen is as boring and bare as a tumbleweed. Harris, a brilliant actor in his own right, surrounds himself with a superlative cast, but even Mortensen and Irons look like they’re starring in a high school production of a western. Though Appaloosa’s Academy Award pedigree is impeccable, the final product is misguided.
Grade: D
Appaloosa is currently in select theaters.