Straight Shootin' (1927)

"Straight Shootin' (1927)" earns its place among William Wyler's best movies for its remarkable early demonstration of his signature directorial style. While a silent Western, it showcases Wyler's burgeoning talent for crafting compelling character studies and visually arresting compositions. The film's stark realism and focus on the inner lives of its protagonists, a stark contrast to the more romanticized Westerns of the time, foreshadowed Wyler's later ability to delve deep into human emotions and explore complex themes with subtlety and precision. Furthermore, "Straight Shootin'" highlights Wyler's growing mastery of cinematic storytelling. The film's narrative, while simple, is effectively conveyed through striking visuals and carefully chosen camera angles, utilizing the Western setting to explore themes of morality, redemption, and the conflict between lawlessness and civilization. The movie's raw and authentic atmosphere, coupled with its early exploration of Wyler's characteristic focus on detailed character work, makes it a compelling and significant early work in the career of a director who would go on to be a Hollywood legend.