Superb Performances And Excellently Directed; BUT Poor Production With Little Historical Accuracy
I first viewed "Wild Bill" because it sounded like a great western, and at the time I was watching DVDs non-stop to help distract my attention from the extreme pain I was experiencing prior to surgery. I must have been more medicated than I remember, as I just watched the movie again, after purchasing it based on the fact that I "remembered" it as being a really terrific and enjoyable western, and I was appalled at the production errors and "historical bunk" in the film. Yet, while I did not enjoy it as much as I "remember" enjoying "Wild Bill," I still think that the film is terrific thanks to some truly memorable performances and crisp direction.

When I compare it to other films out there, and keep a "healthy thought" that "Wild Bill" is a movie about the "Legend" and not the "real, historical person," I find myself wanting to give the film five stars. Beyond a doubt, the film is one of Jeff Bridges finest performances; and the drama and action are awesome.

Then I remember counting the number of times Wild Bill fired his two pistols (which were pron to misfires) in the shoot out in the livery and I cringe. I cannot be certain, since the film does not actually always show Wild Bill's shots (you frequently just hear them, and see their effects), but I got a count of 29 rounds--more than double what he could have realistically fired. Nonetheless, the scene is pure excitement and deepens the "Legend" of Wild Bill. Conversely, I think the director did a marvelous job of editing in the great use of black and white "dreams" that help "recall" Wild Bill's "legendary life."

On the other hand, Charlie Utter, Hickok's friend and life-long companion is denigrated--or so I see it--into John Hurt's completely fictional character Charley Prince, an English gentleman who self proclaims himself, through Prince's narration of "Wild Bill," to be a fellow "drunk and gambler," who has become a "friend" (and traveling companion) to Wild Bill. While the funeral scene is better than many, it still failed to capture the true impact of Wild Bill's death on the community of Deadwood; and Charlie Utter's efforts to give the funeral dignity. Despite the fact that Wild Bill had been in Deadwood only a few days, according to historical accounts nearly every person in the camp--as well as many from elsewhere--attended the funeral; for even on August 3, 1876, it seems that "everyone" knew that a "true legend had come to an end."

Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.

Good Movie with Two Exceptions
I thought this was a pretty good movie and western with two glaring exceptions. They are David Arquette and the girl who played Kelly Bundy on Married with Children. Both are very poor actors and are completely out of their element (whatever that is) with these other pro's. Jeff Bridges is great as usual. The story follows pretty closely to the real life legend of James Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickock. I enjoyed it. Lots of good action and also some very funny moments. Also the costumes and set designs were very good.

Big Jeff Bridges fan but...
This was ok and Jeff Bridges did an excellent job but somehow this was missing that overall spark. A good western but a little flat. Other than Jeff's performance, nothing really stood out.

Wild Bill
This is a very good movie and very true to fact of the life of Wild Bill Hickcock. The only thing is that Calamity Jane was fugly as can be, not as good looking as Ellen Barkin!

HORRIBLE, JUNK!
THIS IS A VERY INACCURATE MOVIE. JEFF BRIDGES ACTING IS GOOD AND SO ARE THE COSTUMES. THE FIRST 20 MINUTES ARE GOOD. THEN, THE MOVIE DIVES TO THE BOTTOM OF THE TOILET. AT THE END OF THE MOVIE SOME PAID ASSASINS UPON ENTERING THE SALOON TO KILL WILD BILL, FIND HIM ENGAGING IN AN ACT OF PROCREATION ON A CARD TABLE. INSTEAD OF KILLING THE FAMOUS GUNSLINGER, THEY DECIDE TO PLAY CARDS WITH HIM. THIS MAY BE THE WORST WESTERN I HAVE EVER WATCHED. INSTEAD, WATCH PALE RIDER, TOMBSTONE, THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES, FIST FULL OF DOLLARS, A FEW DOLLARS MORE, HANG EM HIGH, HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER, BOTH VERSIONS OF THE UNFORGIVEN, THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST, ULZANNA'S RAID, THE SHOOTIST, 3:10 TO YUMA, JEREMIAH JOHNSON, BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, A MAN CALLED HORSE, THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER, THE COWBOYS, CHISUM, ROOSTER COGBURN, MAVERICK WITH MEL GIBSON, WATCH ANYTHING BUT WILD BILL, THE WORST WESTERN EVER MADE.