One of the key reasons thatthe Western genre became such a prominent aspect of the cinematic landscape during the“Golden Age of Hollywood”was that it was builtoff the backs of iconic starswho audiences became well acquainted with over the course of many films. While traditional Western sequels were actually rather few and far between, audiences could walk into a new film starringGary Cooper, Yul Brennar,James Stewart,John Wayne, orSteve McQueen,expecting them to play some sort of ruthless gunslinger with a heart of gold. There’s certainly value in actors knowing what they are good at, but it’s also interesting to see films that feature less traditional stars in the leading roles. Among its many underrated qualities, the 1981 WesternBarbarosafeatured astar-making performance from the legendary musicianWillie Nelson.
Nelson may have proven himself capable of giving dramatic performances after a brief role inSydney Pollack’s brilliant romantic western,The Electric Horseman, but he was certainly not someone who a significant portion of the audience would consider to be an action star. Nonetheless, Nelson’s Academy Award-nominated original song forHoneysuckle Roseand a brief appearance in theMichael Mannclassic heist thrillerThiefsuggested that he was actually interested in being in great cinema, and not just using his film roles as a means of propping up his music career.Nelson gives a dynamic, restrained performanceinBarbarosathat genuinelyturns the traditional Western hero archetype on its head.
What Is ‘Barbarosa’ About?
Set in the aftermath ofthe American Civil War,Barbarosafollows an innocent farm boy who ends up joining forces with a legendary western banditwho is wanted in several territories. Karl Westover (Gary Busey) is fleeing justice by heading to Mexico and issaved in a brutal gunfight by the wanted outlaw, Barbarosa(Nelson). Although initially Barbaorsa scoffs at Karl’s inability to defend himself,he ends uptaking the young boy under his wingas a protege.The situation grows more complicated as several bounty hunters begin to head after the pair in the hopes of collecting a reward. While the alliance that they formed initially was one that was made purely out of convenience,Barbarosa and Karl end up developing a relationship thatmirrors that of a father and son.
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Barbarosaallowed Nelson to play an emotionally austere character who is forced to open up, showing a more sensitive side of masculinity thanthose often seen in Westerns from this era.While initially, it seems as if Barbarosa is annoyed with Karl becausehe doesn’t want to protect a sidekickwhen he is in the midst of a dangerous adventure,it becomes evident that his actions were taken out of fear.Barbarosa is more than willing to put himself in danger, as he knows that eventually, he will have to pay the consequences for his actions. However, it’s the thought that those he cares about may be in danger that truly haunts him; this is best exemplified in a moment early on in whichBarbarosa lashes out at Karl for admitting that he is infatuated with his daughter,Juanita (Alma Martinez). It’s not even that Barbaorsa doesn’t have respect for his young companion; he simply wants to separate his private and professional obligations so that Juanita is not aware ofthe vile activities that her father is capable of.
Willie Nelson Subverts Western Mythology in ‘Barbarosa'
Barbarosaflipsthe standard hero archetypeon its headbecause the titular character is already established as a legendary outlaw at the beginning of the film,whose reputation mirrors that ofDoc HollidayorBilly the Kid.Although Karl goes into the mission expecting Barbarosa to be every bit as dangerous as the stories say, he is surprised to find that he is just a grounded family manwho is just as vulnerable as anyone else.Nelson indicates that Barbarosa has used this reputation to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, making it easy for him to collect bounties. Although this occasionally results in some humorous moments,as Barbarosa is able to coast on the legend alone,it also leads to some more existential moments where Nelson really shines as an actor. There are powerful instances in whichBarbarosa is forced to reckon with the realitythathe may never live up to the fearsome image of himself that has been created.
Barbarosais a lotmore formless and free-spirited than most Westerns,as it focuses on the central duo taking down a few different villains over the course of multiple adventures. This reflects a more realistic interpretation of what cowboy life was actually like, but it alsoallows the film to become more focused on the relationship between these two men.Barbarosa has managed to inspire great confidence in Karl, who becomes more willing to stand up for himself; comparatively, Karl hasreminded Barbarosa that his legacy is less importantthan the time he gets to spend with those that he cares about. Althoughthe filmends with a terrific shootout sequencethat rivals most action movies made today,the strongest scenes in the film are genuinely those in which it becomesa “slice of life” storyabout two men willing to learn from one another.
The 1980s Were an Underrated Decade for Westerns
It’s generally agreed on by Western fans that the 1980s was a decade when the genre was in decline, as the influence of the “spaghetti” movement had faded away. Westerns would eventually make a resurgence in the 1990s when revisionist films likeUnforgiven, Dead Man, andYoung Gunsbecame popular. However,Barbarosais actually just one of many greatWesterns released in the 1980s, as future classics like theLawrence KasdanepicSilverado, theChuck NorrisvehicleLone Wolf McQuade, andClint Eastwood’s masterpiecePale Riderprove that the genre had not diluted in the slightest.
