Current war in Eastern Europe looks frustratingly protracted for many outside observers, at least those who have based their expectations on Hollywood films where the events of such apocalyptic scope always ended quickly due to valiant efforts of few dedicated superheroes. Inability to distinguish from fiction on the big screen and real life isn’t new phenomenon. It was something as relevant a century ago as it is now. This serves as basis for premise behind Three Amigos, 1986 western comedy directed by John Landis.
The plot is set in 1916 and the title characters are Lucky Day (played by Steve Martin), Dusty Bottoms (played by Chevy Chase) and Ned Nederlander (played by Martin Short), actors who became stars by playing trio of black-clad noble adventurers in silent westerns. Their latest films, however, flopped and their studio executive Harry Flugleman (played by Joe Mantegna) have them fired. In the meantime, small Mexican village of Santa Poco is terrorised by gang of bandits led by El Guapo (played by Alfonso Arau). Carmen (played by Patrice Martinez), beautiful daughter of village head, goes to nearby town to seek help, but gets none. Instead, she attends projection of Three Amigos film and mistakes their on-screen exploits for real thing. Deeply impressed by their gunfighting skills and noble character, she sends them telegram to Hollywood seeking their assistance against El Guapo and offering financial rewards. Due to series of misunderstandings, the trio, which suddenly became penniless, believes that they are invited to take part in acting gig and quickly decide to travel to Mexico. Misunderstandings continue and only during the encounter with El Guapo and his thugs they realise that they have to deal with real bandits. At first, they are more than willing to quit and return to Hollywood, but after witnessing El Guapo harassing the village, they feel ashamed and decide to fight him and become real life Three Amigos.
Despite the interesting idea, with huge potential for comedy of errors and “fish out of water” humour, many things went wrong with this picture. Script failed to make three main characters distinguishable from each other, although actors playing them try their best to compensate that with different styles of acting. Steve Martin (who co-wrote script) is the more successful than somewhat sedated Chevy Chase and at times annoying neurotic Martin Short in his first screen role. On the other hand, veteran Mexican actor Alfonso Arau leaves somewhat better impression as parodic over the top villain. Director John Landis seems strangely disinterested in film, never establishing proper balance between humour and action, which might be explained by him being distracted during production with manslaughter trial over the tragedy at Twilight Zone set. Humour is of varied quality, from embarrassing to occasionally brilliant and near the end it suddenly wanders into surreal territory. What elevates this film and makes it watchable is mostly music. That includes music score by Elmer Bernstein, very much inspired by his work on classic western The Magnificent Seven which this film indirectly parodies. But even better contribution is by songwriter Randy Newman (who also co-wrote the script) whose catchy songs give this film extra charm, including the surreal scene when three protagonists sing in the desert accompanied by horses. Despite its flaws, Three Amigos is sufficiently entertaining film, although it could be best enjoyed by cinephiles familiar with early and classical westerns.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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