Review of Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974) by Allan C — 12 Aug 2017

This is the only movie directed by Sam Peckinpah where he had final cut and did not have any studio post production tinkering (thought after the success of "The Wild Bunch" he was offered and declined a chance to re-cut "Major Dundee").

Interestingly, "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" is probably one of Peckinpach's most divisive films among his fans. A masterpiece to some and an indulgent mess to others. I fall in line with the former and believe Garcia stands right alongside "Ride the High County" and "The Wild Bunch" as arguably Peckinpah's best film (though there is something so personal and autobiographical about "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" that I very nearly want to call that a masterpiece as well).

But to this film in particular, Peckinpah stock company regular, the great Warren Oates, plays a south of the border lounge piano player who hears about a rancher/underworld figure who is offering a million dollars for the head of Alfredo Garcia for impregnating his daughter.

Oates' prostitute girlfriend knows that Garcia is already dead and where he's buried, so she and Oates set off on a cross country trip for an easy payday. However, the trip is anything but easy, when the pair encounter biker gangs, rapists, hitmen, and other assorted nastiness.

It is not hyperbole to say this film is a pretty rough Grand Guignol. Oates commands the screen as an on the edge character, himself adopting many characteristics of the director, and again proving how badly he should have been given more leading roles.

But as I said earlier, if this film divides Peckinpah fans it is certainly not going to please most general audience members and more likely than not will be unbearable for most viewers. There's not a lot you can compare this film to, but I suppose if you enjoyed (although that's really not the right word) "Straw Dogs" or maybe something like "The Devil's Rejects," you might find this film equally rewarding.