Puzzled by Jeff Goldblum's character
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jason10mm — 16 years ago(September 09, 2009 06:50 AM)
I got the distinct impression that Slick and Cobb knew each other. They gave each other a look when Slick first appeared that seemed almost friendly, plus Slicks comment about being "an honest gambler" seemed to be an inside joke between them.
But I agree, Slick was one of the more poorly developed characters in the film, but a worthy stereotype to be included. -
Injinn — 16 years ago(September 18, 2009 02:47 PM)
Slick was, first and foremost, an opportunist. Like others have said, a gambler goes with the wind and bets on the most likely winner in any situation.
In this case, that was Cobb. After all, Cobb had become firmly entrenched in the town. He was the Sheriff, had made connections with McKendrick (the most powerful land/cattle baron in the area), had the freedom to hire whomever he chose including a murdering thug like Tyree and could make illegal moves without repercussion. Hell, even Stella knew Cobb was bad news, but her convictions kept her from doing all but the bare minimum to stay in Cobb's favor so she could run her business.
Slick had no such convictions. I agree with those who said Slick was sitting on the fence until very near the end. Until then, he really wasn't sure who was going to win. When he figured the winner was going to be Cobb, he made the choice that gamblers make: he went all in. Of course, that didn't mean he was going to try to fight Mal straight up. Get real.lol He tried to shank Mal, but Mal was ready for it.
So in the end, the gambler crapped out. I think the character was pretty good. Just another interesting flavor to one of the most flavorful casts in a western in decades. -
blktoptrvl — 14 years ago(April 04, 2011 06:10 PM)
I watched the movie again on Sunday and I came here to make a comment. Lo and behold, you all beat me to the subject
I liked almost ev erything about Silverado - except Slick. There was nothing wrong with Jeffs portayal, but the character just seemed to be totally out of place and pace. He felt like an anachronism although I can't say why. -
koffeenkreame41-1 — 14 years ago(October 06, 2011 06:37 AM)
I loved Goldblum and I really wished that he ended up as a good guy in here, it just seemed to come out of nowhere when he switched sides like that.
"I am the ultimate badass, you do not wanna*beep*wit' me!" Hudson in Aliens. -
llegallo14 — 14 years ago(January 01, 2012 11:05 PM)
If you'd seen Silverado upon its release, Goldblum's role made more sense as just some added comic relief, same as Cleese. Coming off The Big Chill, where Goldblum was the funniest character, it gave audiences a good chuckle to see him show up halfway through the movie, as one of the classic Western archetypes, the shady travelling gambler.
That Kasdan was able to work him into the story as a (semi-)credible bad guy is a testament to his writing skill. -
jimanchower — 12 years ago(October 09, 2013 11:02 AM)
I agree, I saw this movie years ago and caught part of it the other day and I was left wondering if some of his scenes were utor something?
When I was a kid I could never tell if he was supposed to be good or bad and even when I watched part of it the other day I couldn't remember if he was good or bad, even thoughi had seen the movie around when it came out.
I agree with others tht said he was just out for himself. -
residentevil6901 — 12 years ago(January 29, 2014 08:38 AM)
I just kind of assumed that the Sheriff sat down with him and talked him into joining them or he already knew the Sheriff previously but they kept that to themselves. Either way it did seem out of place a little bit but he got what he deserved