Mel Brooks' infamous Western comedy that still manages to push the boundaries of taste and decency.
In another installment of Brooks' movie collection, this reviewer stumbled upon the infamous Blazing Saddles, a cowboy-spoof about a small town in the wild west that is under attack from the evil politician Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman). Lamarr attempts to turn the town on itself by urging Governor William J. Lepetomane (Mel Brooks) to appoint a black sheriff. Cleavon Little plays Bart, the new, black sheriff, who is street smart, and uses his wit and intelligence to avoid the violent threats of his new townspeople. With the help of a has-been gunslinger known as the Waco Kid, or Jim (Gene Wilder), the formidable duo go about undoing Lamarr's evil plan to ruin the town, and run a train line through it.
Arguably Brooks' best film (apart from Spaceballs), the movie is full of slapstick moments, outrageous characters, and hilarious songs. The comedy of the film is heightened by the daring script, usage of the N-word in a way that undermines the intense racism of the period, and the comments about American society in the future.
The most appealing aspect of this film, and the element that elevates this film above some of Brooks' less favourable, is the warm relationship at the centre of the film between Jim and Bart. The sheriff's brave and naive attempts at gaining the town's acceptance, coupled with Jim's cowardly knowledge, go together brilliantly.
Expect a storyline that seems stapled together, as with most of Brooks' films, but enjoy it for that reason (the medley of Western references make for an excellent watch). The film stands out as an excellent example of Brooks' brilliance, and has the enduring liberality for which he stands.
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