McCabe and Mrs. Miller

Dir: Robert Altman, 1971 (8.9*)

One of my favorite westerns, everything about it works. It's offbeat and humorous, with Warren Beatty (McCabe of course) moving to a northwest Pacific town, snow and cold instead of desert heat and rocks. He opens a brothel with the experienced madam Mrs. Miller, played by Julie Christie. Of course they eventually establish a relationship beyond the successful business one, but like any western, outlaws and the railroad and the greedy corrupt conspire to upset the peaceful tranquility. Features a couple of very well used Leonard Cohen songs, "Stranger Song" and "Winter Lady". This is one of Altmans's two best films (The Player is the other), and one of the best westerns of all time.