Wild Wild West (1999): A Retro Look Back

Hey there, partner! Let's saddle up and mosey on back to 1999, a time when Will Smith was king of the box office, and steampunk Westerns were... well, at least attempting to be a thing. We're talking about Wild Wild West, a movie that, shall we say, has garnered a unique reputation over the years. Whether you remember it fondly, cringe at the thought, or have never even heard of it (gasp!), there's plenty to unpack about this ambitious, albeit flawed, flick. So grab your Stetson, tighten your goggles, and let's dive headfirst into the wild, wild world of Wild Wild West.

A Steampunk Spectacle: The Premise of Wild Wild West

In Wild Wild West, the premise blends the classic Western genre with outlandish steampunk elements, creating a visually distinctive world. The story kicks off in the 1860s, during the aftermath of the American Civil War. Our heroes are two unlikely partners: James West (Will Smith), a charismatic and resourceful Army captain, and Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline), a brilliant but eccentric master of disguise and gadgetry. These two agents are tasked by President Ulysses S. Grant (also played by Kevin Kline, because why not?) to track down the nefarious Dr. Arliss Loveless (Kenneth Branagh), a brilliant but mad scientist and former Confederate officer with a penchant for creating bizarre mechanical contraptions. Loveless, embittered by the South's defeat and physically disabled, plots to overthrow the United States government using his advanced, steam-powered weaponry.

The film quickly establishes the stark contrast between West and Gordon's personalities and methods. West is a gunslinging action hero, preferring direct confrontation and physical prowess. Gordon, on the other hand, relies on his intellect, disguises, and an arsenal of ingenious gadgets to outwit his opponents. This dynamic creates a classic buddy-cop scenario, with plenty of witty banter and comedic misunderstandings. As West and Gordon pursue Loveless across the American West, they encounter a variety of colorful characters and face increasingly outlandish challenges, from giant mechanical spiders to heavily armed trains. The duo must learn to overcome their differences and combine their unique skills to thwart Loveless's diabolical plan and save the nation from his steampunk-powered tyranny. The narrative of Wild Wild West is driven by the tension between these two approaches, as well as the escalating threat posed by Loveless and his increasingly bizarre inventions. The film's plot is a wild ride, filled with action, humor, and a healthy dose of steampunk-inspired absurdity. While it may not be the most historically accurate or critically acclaimed Western ever made, it certainly offers a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

Star Power and Steampunk Style: What Worked (and Didn't)

Wild Wild West boasted some serious star power. Will Smith, fresh off the success of Men in Black, was at the peak of his box-office draw. Kevin Kline, a respected and versatile actor, brought his comedic timing and talent for physical comedy to the role of Artemus Gordon. Kenneth Branagh, known for his Shakespearean adaptations and dramatic roles, chewed the scenery with gusto as the villainous Dr. Arliss Loveless. The film's visual style was also a major selling point, blending the classic Western aesthetic with steampunk elements. Giant mechanical spiders, steam-powered tanks, and other outlandish contraptions filled the screen, creating a unique and visually arresting world. The film's production design was ambitious, and the special effects, while dated by today's standards, were impressive for the time. So, what went wrong? Well, several factors contributed to the film's critical and commercial failure. The script was widely criticized for its weak plot, reliance on tired clichés, and juvenile humor. The tone was inconsistent, veering between slapstick comedy and serious action, never quite finding its footing. The romantic subplot between West and Rita Escobar (Salma Hayek) felt forced and unnecessary. And then there was the giant mechanical spider. While visually impressive, it became a symbol of the film's excesses and lack of restraint. Ultimately, Wild Wild West tried to be too many things at once and failed to execute any of them particularly well. It had the potential to be a fun and imaginative steampunk Western, but it was ultimately undone by its weak script, inconsistent tone, and over-the-top visuals. Despite its flaws, Wild Wild West remains a fascinating example of a big-budget Hollywood film that dared to take risks and failed spectacularly. It's a reminder that even the most talented cast and crew can't save a film with a weak foundation.

A Critical Calamity: How the West Was Un-Won

Critics absolutely savaged Wild Wild West upon its release. The film currently holds a dismal rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and it's often cited as one of the worst movies of 1999. Critics attacked the film's nonsensical plot, its reliance on cheap jokes, and its over-the-top special effects. Many felt that the film was a waste of the talent involved, particularly Will Smith, who was seen as slumming it in a lowbrow comedy after his success in more sophisticated action films. The film's historical inaccuracies were also a frequent target of criticism. The film took considerable liberties with the history of the American West, and many viewers found the anachronistic technology and fantastical elements jarring and unrealistic. The film's portrayal of African Americans in the Old West also drew criticism, with some arguing that it perpetuated stereotypes and ignored the complexities of race relations in the 19th century. Despite the critical drubbing, Wild Wild West did have some defenders. Some viewers appreciated the film's campy humor and its willingness to embrace its own absurdity. Others found the visual effects impressive, even if they were over-the-top. And some simply enjoyed the film as a mindless popcorn flick, not taking it too seriously. However, these positive reactions were few and far between. The vast majority of critics and viewers agreed that Wild Wild West was a major disappointment. The film's failure was a costly one for Warner Bros., who had invested a significant amount of money in its production and marketing. The film's poor performance at the box office led to significant losses for the studio, and it damaged the reputations of several of the people involved. In the years since its release, Wild Wild West has become a cult classic of sorts, albeit a cult classic for all the wrong reasons. It's a film that's remembered more for its failures than its successes, and it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overspending and underthinking.

Lasting Legacy: More Infamous Than Famous?

So, what is the lasting legacy of Wild Wild West? It's safe to say that the film is more infamous than famous. It's become a punchline, a symbol of Hollywood excess and creative bankruptcy. It's often cited as an example of a film that had all the ingredients for success – a big budget, a talented cast, and a proven director – but somehow managed to fall flat on its face. But despite its many flaws, Wild Wild West has also managed to maintain a certain level of cultural relevance. It's a film that people still talk about, even if it's only to mock it. Its over-the-top visuals and campy humor have earned it a cult following among viewers who appreciate its sheer awfulness. And its failure has served as a valuable lesson for Hollywood studios, reminding them that even the most talented people can't save a film with a weak script and a muddled vision. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in steampunk and retrofuturism. Films like Mortal Engines and Hugo have explored similar themes and visual styles, and there's been a resurgence of steampunk-inspired fashion, art, and design. Wild Wild West may have been ahead of its time in this regard, anticipating the growing popularity of steampunk culture. However, it failed to capitalize on this trend, due to its many other shortcomings. Ultimately, Wild Wild West is a film that's best remembered for its failures. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and the importance of a strong foundation. But it's also a reminder that even the worst films can have a lasting impact on popular culture.

The Verdict: Worth a Watch, or Best Left in the Past?

Alright, should you actually watch Wild Wild West? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question. If you're a fan of Will Smith and want to see him in a role that's... well, different, then it might be worth a look. If you're into steampunk and enjoy seeing outlandish contraptions on screen, then you might find something to appreciate in the film's visuals. And if you're a connoisseur of bad movies and enjoy laughing at cinematic train wrecks, then Wild Wild West is definitely for you. However, if you're looking for a historically accurate Western, a sophisticated action film, or a genuinely funny comedy, then you're probably better off skipping this one. Wild Wild West is a flawed film, no doubt about it. But it's also a unique and memorable one. It's a film that's so bad, it's almost good. And it's a film that's sure to spark a conversation, whether you love it or hate it. So, if you're feeling adventurous and have a couple of hours to kill, give Wild Wild West a try. Just don't say I didn't warn you!

So there you have it, folks! A look back at Wild Wild West, the steampunk Western that divided audiences and baffled critics. Whether you consider it a guilty pleasure or a cinematic disaster, there's no denying that it's a film that's left its mark on pop culture. And who knows, maybe one day it will be rediscovered as a misunderstood masterpiece. But until then, we can all just enjoy laughing at that giant mechanical spider. Yeehaw!