No Country for Bad Filmmakers

The Drover returns from a self-imposed hiatus to mark the passing of Dennis Hopper, auteur filmmaker, photographer and cultural icon, not to mention, for a time, self-destructive personality. Charlie Rose repeated portions of three previous interviews with Hopper as part of a retrospective on the man. Among the things he had to say were one, that he considered his career a failure and, two, that he erred in moving to Taos, N.M., after his second and disastrous directorial effort, "The Last Movie."

On the first count, his lost decade of alcohol and drug abuse certainly contributed, although the idea this his was a failed career is a personal meditation, as a start. Moving to Taos put him outside the mainstream when his physical presence was required to advocate for his own work.

It's hard to imagine moving to Taos as anything but positive (Hopper was buried in nearby Rancho de Taos, nonetheless). With that in mind, let's take a look at some favorite films made in or about New Mexico.


Easy Rider -- Of course. Hopper wrote, directed and acted in this 1969 classic along with Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson. One of the first films of the 60's to actually reflect the temper and culture of the times. Parts were filmed near Taos.

The Milagro Beanfield War -- Filmed in nearby Truchas, Espanola and Santa Fe, Robert Redford captured the earthy and contentious nature of New Mexicans.


White Sands -- A confusing plot and uneven performances mark this '92 murder mystery, but it's worth a look for the awesome scenery and stellar cast. Crew say Mickey Rourke was a pain to work with, a trait he acknowledges from the period. Willem Dafoe, on the other hand, was a prince. Scenes capture familiar landmarks in Santa Fe, Taos and, naturally, White Sands.

The Missing -- Shot in Valles Caldera, a national preserve in an ancient volcanic caldera, and at movie ranches around Santa Fe. Features a small, but disturbing role by that ubiquitous movie New Mexican, First amendment poster child and threat to the peace and security of San Miguel County, Val Kilmer.


The Tao of Steve -- Does for ordinary Santa Feans, those with three jobs, two of them in restaurants, what "Beanfield" did for Truchas.

Every Which Way But Loose --A sentimental favorite, despite its inconsistent logic. It features a brief tour of Taos plaza by the hapless Pacoima Black Widows.

Plenty of films have been filmed in or showcase the Land of Enchantment, the City Different and Taos. Crazy Heart, No Country for Old Men, Wild Hogs and plenty more. For ex-pat New Mexicans the  cinematic well need never run dry.