A 1978 Western comedy marked Jack Nicholson's first time both directing and starring.
In short: In Goin' South, a desperate outlaw faces the gallows until a local ordinance offers him a reprieve through marriage. What begins as a cold-blooded business arrangement for gold mining evolves into a complex, often criticized romantic comedy that launched the career of Mary Steenburgen and showcased a unique directorial vision.
Released in 1978, Goin' South follows Henry Lloyd Moon, a third-rate outlaw in the late 1860s who narrowly escapes execution in Longhorn, Texas, by marrying Julia Tate. While Julia initially views the marriage as a way to secure labor for a secret gold mine on her property, the two eventually develop a genuine, if volatile, bond. The narrative shifts from their uneasy partnership to a heist-like struggle involving Moon's former gang, culminating in a journey toward a new life in Mexico.
The film is notable for being the second of three features directed by Jack Nicholson, following 1971's Drive, He Said and preceding 1990's The Two Jakes. It was the first project where Nicholson served as both director and lead actor. The production also served as the Hollywood debut for Mary Steenburgen, whom Nicholson discovered while she was working as a waitress in New York. The cast features several prominent actors, including Christopher Lloyd, who later reunited with Steenburgen in Back to the Future Part III, and John Belushi, who appeared in a minor role.
Critical reception at the time was largely mixed or negative. Critics like Gene Siskel and David Ansen argued that the film suffered from a lack of focus and an over-indulgent performance by Nicholson, with some reviewers suggesting the chemistry between the leads failed to jell. Others, such as Charles Champlin, praised the film's tone and Nicholson's direction. Despite the lukewarm response, the film remains a curious artifact of 1970s cinema, capturing a specific moment where Nicholson attempted to balance his off-screen directorial ambitions with his established on-screen persona.
The production, shot in Durango, Mexico, and Texas, faced challenges in maintaining a consistent narrative rhythm. While the premise of a marriage of convenience provided a strong foundation, reviewers frequently noted that the story's wit faded into whimsy as the plot progressed. Nevertheless, the film provided a significant career milestone for Steenburgen, who earned a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year for her performance.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Goin' South
- Also: Wikidata — Goin' South · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Goin' South · CC0
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