Tombstone (1993), Rated 15 - Rare screening of a 90s classic

"never got the recognition it deserved" Roger Ebert

A rare screening of TOMBSTONE (1993), a 90s western with a tense psychology, on the events that led to the mythic shootout at the O.K. Corral, you will recall the recently controversial (always controversial) Val Kilmer’s definitive portrayal of the louche Doc Holliday, emerging from shadows with lines like “I’m your Huckleberry”, challenging anyone that comes for his friend, Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell). Doc has nothing to lose, he’s dying from TB and he spends the film’s duration indulging his senses and looking for a fight with such swagger, he makes death look good. So good, he made it into the BAMF Style Tumblr.

Lawman Earp has retired from his infamous life as moral arbiter, he’s arrived in a new town with his family, and he’s looking to get rich in peace, morals be damned. The problem is, wherever he goes, a violent gang calling themselves The Cowboys want to test that resolve and make him flinch. Worse, he’s caught the eye of the new starlet in town, Josephine, and his wife has noticed.

See it because it’s not easy to categorise, a western through a 90s lens, brimming with philosophies “beware the pale horse, the man who sat on him was death“, and frequent, dalliant masculine displays and its “opulent” (The New York Times) looks - the wardrobe on this whole cast is worth the price of admission, alone. Not entirely because of Kilmer, this was a troubled production, leading to Kurt Russell’s step up into the role of director part-way through, adding to your appreciation of his generosity in giving Kilmer all of the best lines. This is a true tale of friendship that was imitated in real life.

Known and loved by Greenwich and Lewisham locals, Deptford Cinema is the borough’s first permanent cinema venue since the 1980s, there’s even a blog dedicated to the historic dearth of Deptford cinemas. Built and run by a cosmopolitain clique of volunteer cineastes who delight in creating a programme that is often surprising, TOMBSTONE (1993) playing in this 40-seater, fairy-lit setting on a balmy September evening (Thu 21st) is just their game.