Marlon Brando introduces an impeccable storyline which thoroughly introduces the concept of the Liar to Western Cinema in his Western One Eyed Jacks. Unambivalent about portraying himself as a villain, a lousy reckless fiend who has a way with getting his way (both with men by gun and woman by pleasure), Mr. Brando moves the film-goer into demanding justice through the breach of trust between his former “fatherly” accomplice, Dad, after his trust was breached in the opening scenes of the film.

I may be haughty in my impression of an astounding cinematic portrayal of natural geography by an actor, but it is intimidating to consider Mr. Brando was this exquisite with direction. He overwhelms the lens with desert bleakness, the kind that leaves the audience to question why on Earth would someone forsake themselves there, and cool California coolness with the richness of Monterrey County on display with its easing tidal waves and quintessential California Coastline with beckons those from 700 to 7,000 miles away.

His directorial vision does not stop there, as he wisely chooses to realize his characters desert setting with drenches of unappetizing sweat on their faces in the Sonoran desert.

Where these cantinas end up aligning those who are fearless of the law, like his character, Rio, a notable bank robber who strikes towns at will, and who will outdraw anybody. Someone to be reckoned with.

And it is in that reckoning that Dad did not see the motivations of a soul in chartering their destiny. An outsider, looking in, never having a mother who could appreciate one, and therefore find a place knowingly called home. His bent is in vengeance, for being left out in the desert to be captured by Mexican state militia and working in desert mines for seventeen hundred and eight days. He is coming for Dad.

He finds out he is now the sheriff of Monterrey.

The liar can escape his or her past life, of concealing his or her past deeds, in order to provide an impression of health in his or her countenance, especially as a sheriff seeking to impose law and order and therefore punishment when necessary.

It is in those past-lives which can disrupt the natural balance of the society which the film draws the line.

Who is more unjust? Rio or Dad?

Consistent with a villain, vengeance does more harm than good.

It is that evident Rio is looking to settle a score rather than keep the peace.

It is that world where Rio is capable of seducing Dad’s adopted stepdaughter – likely in pose – just to conceive an illegitimate child.

The mind of man extends into that measure of evil intent, to disrupt the appearance of peace irreparably to the movement of the society as a whole in trusting in law and order or healthy rules. It is wise therefore to trust in God’s Judgment rather than one’s own in punishing justice.

Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries.

-Book of Deuteronomy, 32:43