Track of the Cat ( 1954 )

Track of the Cat (1954): A Study in Color, Conflict, and the Unseen Predator

Track of the Cat, a 1954 film directed by William A. Wellman and starring Robert Mitchum, is far more than a simple western. It's a psychological drama cloaked in the garb of a thriller, a character study set against the stark, isolating backdrop of a snowbound Montana ranch. The film is notable for its unconventional use of color (or rather, the near absence thereof), its exploration of family dynamics fractured by jealousy and suppressed emotions, and its reliance on the unseen presence of a mysterious mountain lion to drive the narrative and reflect the inner turmoil of its characters.

Synopsis

The film centers around the Bridges family, ranchers struggling to survive the harsh winter on their isolated Montana spread. The matriarch, Ma Bridges, is a domineering and religiously rigid woman who holds a tight rein on her family. Her husband, Pa Bridges, is a weak and ineffectual figure, often retreating into alcoholism to escape his wife's oppressive presence. Their sons, Curt (Robert Mitchum), Arthur (William Hopper), and Harold (Tab Hunter), represent different aspects of the family's internal conflicts. Curt, the eldest, is a cruel and cynical man, resentful of his younger brothers and driven by a desire for power and control. Arthur is the gentle and responsible one, burdened by the weight of family expectations. Harold is the youngest, sensitive and hopeful, but increasingly disillusioned by the family's dysfunction.

The film opens with the disappearance of two ranch hands, seemingly victims of a mountain lion. Harold, despite Curt's scorn, ventures out to track the animal. Arthur, concerned for his brother's safety, follows him. Tragedy strikes when Arthur is killed by the unseen predator. Curt, fuelled by his animosity towards Arthur and his belief in his own invincibility, takes it upon himself to hunt the cat and avenge his brother's death. As the hunt progresses, the film delves deeper into the family's history of resentments, exposing the deep-seated psychological wounds that have festered over time. The arrival of Gwen Williams (Diana Lynn), a schoolteacher who becomes romantically involved with Harold, further complicates the already tense family dynamics.

The cat itself becomes a symbol of the family's hidden demons. It is rarely seen, but its presence is constantly felt, creating an atmosphere of suspense and dread. As Curt pursues the animal, he becomes increasingly obsessed, mirroring the destructive obsessions that plague his family. Ultimately, the film explores the themes of guilt, repression, and the destructive power of unchecked emotions, suggesting that the true cat is not a literal mountain lion, but the darkness that lurks within the human heart.

Unconventional Use of Color

One of the most striking aspects of Track of the Cat is its unusual use of color. While filmed in widescreen and color, the film's palette is deliberately muted, dominated by whites, grays, and blacks. The snow-covered landscape is rendered in stark shades of white and gray, creating a sense of isolation and bleakness. The only vibrant colors are the red of blood and the yellow of Gwen's clothing, which stand out in sharp contrast to the monochrome environment, emphasizing their significance. The absence of color contributes to the film's overall sense of unease and reinforces the themes of repression and emotional coldness. It's not just an aesthetic choice; it's a deliberate attempt to visually represent the emotional landscape of the characters. The lack of color mirrors the lack of warmth and affection within the Bridges family.

Themes and Interpretations

Track of the Cat is rich in thematic depth, inviting multiple interpretations:

• Family Dysfunction: The film offers a bleak portrayal of family relationships, highlighting the destructive consequences of resentment, jealousy, and a lack of communication. The Bridges family is a microcosm of societal ills, where traditional patriarchal structures are crumbling under the weight of internal conflicts.
• Repression and Guilt: The characters are burdened by unspoken desires and unresolved guilt, which manifest in their destructive behaviors. The constant pressure to conform to Ma Bridges' rigid moral code leads to a stifling of emotions and a build-up of resentment.
• The Nature of Evil: The unseen mountain lion serves as a metaphor for the darkness that resides within the human psyche. The film suggests that the true source of evil is not an external force, but the repressed emotions and destructive impulses that drive human behavior.
• Man vs. Nature: The harsh winter landscape and the predatory cat represent the unforgiving power of nature. The characters are constantly struggling against the elements, highlighting the vulnerability of human existence in the face of natural forces.
• The Illusion of Control: Curt's belief in his own invincibility and his desire to control his environment are ultimately undermined by the unseen cat. The film suggests that human beings are not as in control of their destinies as they might believe.

Character Analysis

Each character in Track of the Cat represents a different facet of the family's dysfunction:

• Curt Bridges (Robert Mitchum): Curt is the embodiment of toxic masculinity, driven by a need for control and a deep-seated resentment towards his brothers. He is a bully and a cynic, constantly belittling those around him. His pursuit of the cat is a reflection of his desire to dominate and control the natural world, as well as his own inner demons.
• Arthur Bridges (William Hopper): Arthur is the responsible and compassionate brother, burdened by the weight of family expectations. He represents the potential for goodness and empathy within the family, but he is ultimately unable to escape the destructive forces that surround him.
• Harold Bridges (Tab Hunter): Harold is the youngest and most sensitive of the brothers. He is initially hopeful and idealistic, but he gradually becomes disillusioned by the family's dysfunction. His relationship with Gwen offers a glimmer of hope for a better future.
• Ma Bridges (Beulah Bondi): Ma Bridges is the domineering matriarch, whose religious rigidity and controlling nature have created a toxic environment for her family. She represents the oppressive forces of tradition and conformity.
• Pa Bridges (Philip Tonge): Pa Bridges is a weak and ineffectual figure, dominated by his wife and prone to alcoholism. He represents the failure of traditional patriarchal authority and the consequences of emotional repression.
• Gwen Williams (Diana Lynn): Gwen is an outsider who brings a breath of fresh air into the family. She represents the potential for love and redemption, offering Harold a chance to escape the cycle of dysfunction.

Critical Reception and Legacy

Track of the Cat received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised its innovative use of color and its atmospheric tension, while others found it to be slow-paced and overly symbolic. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years, and it is now recognized as a unique and thought-provoking western. Its influence can be seen in later films that explore similar themes of family dysfunction and the dark side of human nature.

The film's visual style, particularly its use of color, has been highly influential. Many filmmakers have cited Track of the Cat as an inspiration for their own work. The film's psychological depth and its exploration of complex characters have also been praised by critics and scholars.

Today, Track of the Cat is considered a minor classic of the western genre, a film that transcends the traditional tropes of the genre to offer a more nuanced and psychologically complex portrayal of the American West.

Table Summarizing Key Elements

Table of Main Characters

Table of Thematic Breakdown