A Danish take on the American Western, where oil greed meets frontier vengeance
In short: Directed by Kristian Levring, The Salvation is a 2014 Western that follows a Danish immigrant seeking justice after his family is murdered. While critics note its familiar tropes, the film is praised for its striking visuals and a standout performance by Mads Mikkelsen in a brutal, sun-drenched landscape.
Set in 1871, the narrative begins after Jon, a Danish veteran of the 1864 Second Schleswig War, settles in the American West. His life is shattered when his wife and young son are killed by two criminals on a stagecoach. Jon’s subsequent act of vengeance triggers a conflict with Henry Delarue, a notorious gang leader and former army colonel who terrorizes the town of Black Creek. Delarue is not merely a bandit; he is a land baron working with the Standard Atlantic Oil Company to seize property rich in crude oil, using the town’s mayor, Keane, as a collaborator.
The film, which began principal photography on 8 April 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa, has been described by critics as a reverent pastiche of the genre. Reviewers like Jonathan Romney have noted that the film pays homage to the stylistic hallmarks of John Ford and Sergio Leone, utilizing bold, sun-baked cinematography and a score reminiscent of Ennio Morricone. Despite these aesthetic successes, some critics argue that the film struggles to introduce fresh elements to the traditional Western framework, often relying on established tropes.
The conflict culminates in a violent confrontation where Jon, aided by the storekeeper Voichek, uses guerrilla tactics to dismantle Delarue’s gang. The story also features Madelaine, Delarue’s abused sister-in-law, who eventually plays a pivotal role in the antagonist's downfall. While the film concludes with the defeat of the gang, the underlying reality of the frontier remains bleak: the oil company successfully secures the land, highlighting the intersection of personal tragedy and corporate exploitation. With a 72% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is largely recognized for its atmospheric intensity and the performance of Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the villainous Delarue.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Salvation (film)
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