The Big Dig
The Big Dig

The Big Dig

1969Movie95 minHebrew

A slapstick comedy lampooning bureaucracy and the madness of everyday life in Israel centers on an escaped lunatic who digs up the streets of Tel-Aviv with a drill

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IMDb5.7/10
Director: James NeilsonGenres: Western, Drama

Plot Summary

In this gritty Western, a former Confederate soldier turned outlaw, Jedediah Cobb, attempts to go straight after a stint in prison. He's haunted by his past and faces distrust from the townsfolk. His efforts to reform are complicated by the reappearance of a former associate and a stolen treasure that could change his life or seal his fate.

Critical Reception

The Big Dig received a mixed to negative reception upon its release. While some critics noted its attempt at a more complex anti-hero narrative for the Western genre, many found its pacing slow and its plot convoluted. Performances were generally considered adequate, but the film failed to resonate with a wide audience.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film struggles with an uneven plot that tries to balance redemption with outlaw tropes.
  • Stephen Boyd's performance as the conflicted protagonist is a highlight, but not enough to save the film.
  • Despite its Western setting, the movie lacks the action and excitement typically associated with the genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this lesser-known Western. Those available suggest viewers found the film to be a slow burn with a somewhat predictable storyline, though some appreciated the departure from typical Western hero archetypes.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in various locations in Arizona, aiming for authentic Western landscapes.

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