Why Sam Peckinpah Was Only a “Four Hours a Day” Genius

Sam Peckinpah's great advice for aspiring filmmakers

(Image credit: Far Out / Wikimedia)

Mon 28 Oct 2024 19:15 UK

If you’re a fan of westerns and don’t know the title Sam Peckinpahthen you lose. Born in Fresno, California, in 1925, Peckinpah brought a level of gritty realism to a genre that had previously been considered a mere game for singers and frivolous musicals. His 1969 film Wild bunch was a two-time Academy Award nominee, and the rest of his filmography, which also includes thrillers such as Straw dogs and Escapefilled with classics.

Unfortunately, Peckinpah lived a troubled life. His struggle with substance abuse often led to a tense atmosphere on his sets. His personal life can best be described through his relationship with actor Begoña Palacios; the couple was married three times after various differences led to multiple breakups.

One person who saw the director’s instability firsthand was James Coburn. The Oscar-winning actor starred in several Peckinpah films and even directed the second film. Convoy. In 1998, Coburn spoke with Venetian magazine about working with “Bloody Sam”.

“Sam Peckinpah was a genius four hours a day.” he said. “The rest of the time he was drunk. He called himself a ‘working alcoholic’ but he was much more than that.” Coburn explained that the booze seemed to allow Peckinpea to focus more on shooting, but made him preoccupied with anything else. “You never talked to Sam about things like motivation,” he said, referring to when they were filming Major Dundee. “I said, ‘Sam, what is this that my character is doing?’ And he thought about it for a minute, and finally said, “Dryer.” Dry. He doesn’t care.” And that’s who this character was!”

Major Dundeewhich follows a group of ragged soldiers traveling to Mexico during the American Civil War, was significantly damaged by studio cuts. This was a common theme among Peckinpah’s films as the same thing happened to them Pat Garrett and Billy the Kidalso starring Coburn. “When he (Peckinpah) finished cutting Pat Garretthe was selected.” Coburn revealed. “It was Jim Aubrey at MGM, and he was more interested in getting his hotel ready than in the movie. I think he really despised anyone who showed artistry.’

Coburn’s role in the film was played by the titular Pat Garrett, the sheriff who shot the infamous outlaw of the Wild West, Billy the Kid. In the interview, the star was asked about rumors that a drunk Peckinpah tried to change the ending of the film, allowing Billy to survive. “Yes, but he wasn’t that drunk,” he said. “We were sitting in his trailer and he said, ‘Oh my God! Why should we kill him?” When Coburn reminded his boss that this was the case in real life, his response was “Well, why can’t we make it not happen?” Such discussions, fueled by alcohol or other means, led to the fact that the director received his sharp reputation.

Sam Peckinpah died in 1984 of heart failure at the age of only 59. He paid the ultimate price for living his life, but he left behind a legacy that is being explored decades later. It serves as a warning about the harm that creativity can have on a person. Just imagine what he could achieve if he allowed his true genius to manifest itself in more than just “four hours a day.”

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