This movie proves first and foremost that brilliant acting does not necessarily mean brilliant, or even good, directing. The actor in question is of course Marlon Brando and One-Eyed Jacks is fortunately the only film he has ever directed. The fact that he chose a western doesn't help and for once his performance suffers from too much brooding.
Brando plays Rio an outlaw who, along with Karl Malden's Dad Longworth, steals money from a bank in Mexico. Dad lets Rio take the fall and escapes with the loot. Rio serves five years in prison and when released is bent on revenge.
The movie meanders through several plot twists at a snail's pace. By the time it concludes two and a half hours later it is hard to care which outlaw comes out on top.
Although it is quite beautifully shot by Charles Lang with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, it never completely engages the audience. You keep waiting for Brando to let loose with a trademark brutally intense scene that never happens.
Released in 1961 it was a modest hit at the box office but would probably be forgotten today except for the novelty of Marlon Brando as director.
The movie deserves at least one viewing, however, since it is one of the last times he is truly breathtaking to look at.
